Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
Why puppy freedom leads to healthy development

Why puppy freedom leads to healthy development

I’m writing this article in the forest; not that I planned to do so, but this is how it happened. I had some errands to do and when I came back, Pax’s enthusiastic welcome made me “conveniently” forget about an accounting meeting. Oops!

Instead, blinded by my “puppy parent” instinct, I put Pax in the car and headed for our favourite spot in the forest, while one of the managers was trying to get hold of me because I didn’t show up. Luckily, she was very gracious and rescheduled the meeting for the next day.

Now, you may be wondering, what the heck am I doing in the forest with a computer, so let me explain. First, on a balmy summer afternoon, there is no better office than the forest. Second, very few people can completely stop working when a new puppy arrives unless they are retired. Being surrounded by nature can actually increase productivity! My mind gets clearer and ideas start flowing more easily.   

Today, I would like to reflect on a meeting I had recently with our customer service team. They are the people who help me answer some of your questions. Based on your feedback, and our current 9.9 star out of 10 rating on Trustpilot, many of you have already experienced how great our customer service “Healing Ambassadors” are.

The thing I value about them the most is that they genuinely care about you and your dogs and patiently often answer the same questions about dog health and nutrition time and time again, no matter if you have bought our products or not. They also provide me with endless ideas on what to write about. One of the most common questions lately has been how I train Pax, and how is it that he is such an unusually well-behaved pup.

First, I don’t want you to fall for the illusion that he doesn’t get in trouble. He loves to chew on shoes and is drawn to electric cords that now have to be hidden and unplugged. He has the odd accident with a Number Two right after we take him out. He likes to jump up onto people if we don’t manage his greetings and of course he does tend to use his sharp teeth for play. OUCH!

Despite all this he is, in my opinion, a very well-adjusted puppy and here are some thoughts why:

  • Genetics are hard to deny, we did luck out!
  • Early socialization is super important. Once again, we were lucky that Pax’s original mom had one other dog plus children and adults who handled and interacted with the puppies. This is not possible if you adopted a rescue but there is much more you can do.
  • Puppies like a routine which makes them very similar to kids. Our day looks like this:
  1. Wake up around 6 AM for a Number One and a Number Two.
  2. Then a cuddle in bed. Sometimes we give Pax a little antler to chew on. At other times, he just likes his belly scratched or to snooze a little more.
  3. An hour outing in the morning, then a meal and back in the crate for a snooze.
  4. Shorter outing at lunchtime, raw bones to chew on after, followed by some more crate time.
  5. Afternoons are about figuring out how to keep discipline when I need to finish work. Sometimes, I put Pax on the Perfect Fit Harness and Gentle Leash and have him sleep under my desk and then we take him for another outing.

The nature of the outings depends on what we do. I try to take Pax everywhere I can; have him meet other dogs, people, and socialize with kids under supervision. I do not take him to busy dog parks as there are always dogs who are too crazy and may run him over or tumble into him which can be very traumatic for a puppy. 

For those of you who are wondering about immunity, a gentler approach to vaccination, I plan to talk about it in the next newsletter so stay tuned! I have Pax’s titer test results already, there is just so much to talk about today and I do not want to mix two topics. If you missed what supplements I give him here is the list of the essentials that are suitable for both puppies and adult dogs.

But back to puppy routine. It is important to ensure puppies get enough rest (ideally in a crate). Like (human) kids, when they get overtired, they get super hyper and their little developing brains will turn them into squirming, biting, little devils! 

Finally, the most important part, I strongly believe that we have to find a safe space to play outside, in nature, where we allow puppies to be free and unrestricted and where chewing, biting on sticks and branches, digging and exploring is allowed.

This is the real key to raising a healthy and content puppy. From the day we got Pax, we have been taking him to either meadows, parks or forests where he could explore and play. To be honest, it is also the most special time together. As a herding dog, he does not run away and sticks close, but if you are not sure if your pup would not run away, get a long clothesline and hold the end and be on guard for any tangles. You will see that your puppy will likely explore, sniff and chew for a bit, then it will come back to you to check in, before heading off for another mini-adventure. 

The worst thing 👎 for healthy puppy development is to prevent them from exploring and playing on its own and with other puppies.

If you ever hear from anyone, including a veterinarian, that puppies should not see other dogs until they are four months old, do not listen! Don’t be afraid to socialize your pup! 

There is nothing worse you can do than to lock up your puppy at home and not allow it to develop connections and friendships. Their little puppy brains evolve at lightning speed and when they are not stimulated they are unable to create the right habits. This often leads to fear, aggression and stress for the whole family. 

Stay tuned for more info on how to keep your puppy and adult dog safe by avoiding excessive and unnecessary vaccinations. 

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Flying with dogs
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • dog and pony
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating fruit
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • The secret ingredient for a perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man being pointed at
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with vitamins and minerals
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias with Pax
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Why 1 in 4 Americans suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Dobias and Pax
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man raising fist on a mountain
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier eating raw food
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

By clicking "Continue" or continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. You can find out more about the cookies we use and learn how to manage them here. Feel free to check out our policies anytime for more information.

Continue

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close