How I imagine I’d raise a future puppy

I spend a lot of time daydreaming about puppies. Even though Sean and I don’t plan to add another pet any time soon—we’re happy as a family of three with Scout—I’m incredibly excited about “someday”. It’s fun (and a good thought exercise) to brainstorm ways I’d raise a baby dog! Fostering littermates Mystic and Arlo followed by sick puppy Joey have only inspired more reflection.

This piece started as a handwritten page in my personal journal as I tried to align values and outline a plan for “future me” to look back on. I realized it might be helpful for other folks to scan through, too. (There’s so much value in fellow dog owners sharing with each other.) So here are my thoughts in digital format!

This is what I plan to prioritize when I bring home a future puppy.

* Let me be clear: I am not a puppy expert! I do feel lucky to have had more general-dog and puppy-specific experience over the past few years. From working through Scout’s fear and reactivity to discussing behavioral issues at…