Puppy Brain

How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love

By: Kerry Nichols

Narrated by: Lisa Larsen

How do you raise a happy, healthy, and emotionally resilient dog? Full of actionable guidance, Puppy Brain will show you how to create a harmonious, fulfilling relationship with your pet, from Kerry Nichols, founder of Nicholberry Goldens.

Do you want to learn how to help your dog feel safe? Do you dream of owning a dog who enjoys meeting new people and exploring new places? Kerry Nichols, founder of Nicholberry Goldens, brings readers into the whelping box and onto the frontlines of a puppy’s developmental journey with her trademark clarity and wit.

With guidance about everything from crate training to spaying and neutering, Puppy Brain distills the latest insights and breakthroughs from canine research into practical, actionable, evidence-based guidance.

Through years of research into brain development and the use of intentional rearing protocols that focus on honoring a puppy’s choices and needs, Kerry has developed an approach that results in a harmonious, fulfilling relationship with our dogs rather than one steeped in rote obedience. Puppy Brain will reshape the way you think about your dog and show you how to meet your dog’s most basic needs.

With clear guidance, and engaging humor, Puppy Brain reveals the best training practices based on how your dog’s mind works. As her hundreds of thousands of followers can attest, Kerry’s guidance will help you raise dogs who are confident, loving, and happy. The perfect gift for dog lovers and psychology enthusiasts alike, Puppy Brain is the definitive resource for anyone looking to raise their puppy with respect and love.

A Macmillan Audio production from Celadon Books.

Critic reviews

<p>“The first twelve months is the most important time frame in a puppy’s life, when it comes to setting the stage for your dog’s long term mental, emotional and behavior wellbeing. This book shows you how to prepare for a successful first year, building a rock-solid foundation that will last a lifetime.”<br><b>—Karen Shaw Becker, Wellness Veterinarian and co-author of #1 <i>New York Times </i>bestseller <i>The Forever Dog </i></b><br><br>"Nichols combines an understanding of behavioral and developmental science with practical experience into a philosophy and method of establishing a strong, functional bond with your canine companion. She has a wonderful talent for explaining the seemingly unexplainable aspects of the human/animal bond."<br><b>—Bruce W. Christensen, Veterinarian and Specialist in Canine Reproduction, Founder Kokopelli Veterinary Center <br></b><br>"This book goes far beyond the how-to’s of raising a puppy, delving into the decisions we make for our dogs from the beginning all the way to the end of their life. Heartwarming and educational, Puppy Brain is a must-read for anyone wanting a healthy and fulfilling relationship with their dog."<br><b>—Lisa Lippman DVM, celebrity veterinarian and co-founder of Pet Loss Community<br></b><br>"This book provides a perfect road map to teach your puppy how to adjust and enjoy every interaction they may encounter. If you have a desire to understand what gives your dog their unique habits and traits, Kerry Nichols will take you on a fascinating journey from a puppy’s first breath through each stage of their development into adulthood. It is her passion to produce happy, healthy dogs who have the genetics, discipline and temperament to thrive as steadfast companions. I loved<i> Puppy Brain</i> and learned so much!"<br><b>—</b><b>Rose Nielsen, Author and Children's Hospital of Los Angeles Therapy Dog Program Liaison </b></p>

Fantastic!

I love how understanding the brain helps in setting a solid foundation for great puppy training.

Captivating!

I loved the stories Kerry shared about her experiences as she shared intricate knowledge that could be very boring in another scenario. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment & I now understand more about my puppy in both energy, emotionally & how her physical brain actually learns, stores "associations" & creates neutral pathways that stay with her for her lifetime. It was a captivating book from beginning to end & I appreciate it so much! I'm grateful to have had it as I welcome my 8 week old puppy, Florence.

Very informative and nonjudgmental.

I love that the author provides a wealth of information in a manner that is easy to digest and nonjudgmental. This was a very helpful book with practical tips and step-by-step instructions for many puppy rearing situations.

Great advice!

I also raise puppies and couldn’t believe how many amazing things she talks about that many don’t. Well done. I would recommend this book to all who want to understand dogs and puppies better.

Fantastic read

This book is a must for any pet owner, especially for someone that recently got a puppy

Wonderful Refreshing Take on Puppy Training!

Oh my gosh! I’ve been looking for a book about gentle puppy training for years now. As I prepare to pick up our newest addition, I want to honor him and support all that he can be. I laughed and I cried. I hope I’m worthy of being the best dog mom that I can!

This was an excellent book. I loved every bit of it!

I loved this book. I am a breeder and this was recommended to me by one of my puppy buyers. What a gift this book is to the dog kingdom. I learned a great deal! I laughed and I cried throughout the book. It’s that good!! Buy it and listen all the way to the end.

Phenomenal Book, Wealth Of Information For All!

Whether you have a golden retriever or a pitbull, an 8 week old puppy or adult dog - if you want to give your dog a great life and understand how to interpret their actions and the way they think, this book is for you. So easy to read, and so much valuable information! I SO wish I had read it before getting our puppy 2 years ago, I’ve learned SO much. But I also learned so much that will help my 2 year old today! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us Kerry!

Excellent

This is a much needed learning of living with your dog. I’m so glad to have found it!

So enlightening!

Recommend this book whole heartedly. I learned SO much about how to raise our now 9 weeks old puppy. The info is very digestible and easy to understand. The concepts talked are so important to set yourself up for an amazing dog for years to come. Definitely read!!