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Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love
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 breeding practices 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 irresistible photos, clear guidance, and engaging humor, Puppy Brain reveals the best parenting 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.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published April 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
February 27, 2024
Kerry Nichols is not only a breeder of golden retrievers, but she is also a canine advocate. Nichols shares so much information on how puppies develop, and what a responsible breeder does in the first weeks before the pups go to their forever home. (It's clear why there are many irresponsible backyard and puppy mill breeders, because serious professionals put in a lot of work.) She discusses housebreaking, resource guarding, spay/neuter options, and teaching a puppy skills while respecting him/her. Since I work with a golden retriever therapy dog, I especially appreciated her description of how many of her pups went on to do therapy work. There's also a chapter on deciding when the time has come to "cross the rainbow bridge." Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.
January 29, 2025
It's been ages since I raised a puppy. Most of my recent dogs have been rescues in the 6–9 month bratty teenager range with some trauma in their past. This book helps with the teenager phase as well but doesn't focus on the getting over trauma (which one of mine never did) and you really need an in-person trainer for that anyway. This is an excellent positive training book which sets a dog up for a life without fear, aggression and trauma and other assorted issues, as it should be. There are no choke chains and tasers and punishments and alpha talk which are all things that I desperately want to avoid but were far too common a decade ago. There's also a section on the new science of when to spay/neuter and cancer and bone growth and information on new methods that I had no idea existed. If you're planning to bring a puppy into your life, grab and read this book first!
It's going to be incredibly helpful when I get the new puppy home. I’m going to read it again and highlight it to death. I'll post back once I have the puppy settled.
It's going to be incredibly helpful when I get the new puppy home. I’m going to read it again and highlight it to death. I'll post back once I have the puppy settled.
May 13, 2024
I love a good dog training book and this is one I would highly recommend to anyone planning on getting a puppy. Dog training has changed so much over the years and although I’ve been training Shelties for nearly 50 years, the timing of this book release was perfect. We recently had to help our 14.5 year old dog cross over. It was a terribly hard thing to do and we miss him beyond measure. With the house feeling so empty and our hearts broken, we decided it was time to add another little guy to our pack. It’s been a long time since we trained a puppy, so we needed all the help we could get! No matter how many dogs I’ve had, I learn new things with each one.
We signed up for puppy class and read everything we could online. This book was an excellent addition. Every breeder and trainer does things a little differently, but the focus here is positive rewards, patience and working with the individual dog you have. I found the chapter on giving my puppy a bath particularly helpful and started working on the steps immediately. The tips on biting, treat delivery and vinegar/water on shoelaces were very useful for me as well. The neuter/spay topic was eye opening and I’ll be discussing it with our wonderful vet. The last chapter on saying goodbye was written in a beautiful, thoughtful manner and with kindness. I will always miss our Stewie, but reading this book has helped me to set Wally up for success and hopefully we will have many years of adventures to look forward to.
This book is best purchased before bringing your puppy home. The tips on schedules, activities for your puppy and preparation for your new arrival are excellent. The book is still helpful purchased after your bundle of energy has arrived though. Our little guy is 12 weeks old and I certainly picked up many things that will assist in our training. Now I’m off to find a Chilly Penguin to stuff with treats!
January 1, 2025
Good book. More reference. Puppy based behaviors. Thorough though Nichols is a breeder, so she did hock her own wares and resources on her website. This amounts a cogent defense of ethical breeding and training for purebred puppies. Nicols is both knowledgeable and passionate about her craft. Worthwhile, especially if you are thinking about adopting a Golden Retriever puppy.
4 Stars
Listened to audiobook. Lisa Larsen was a good narrator.
4 Stars
Listened to audiobook. Lisa Larsen was a good narrator.
April 16, 2024
Excellent! Puppy Brain is the best pup parenting reference book that I’ve read, period. Being a seasoned dog owner, I’ve read a good share of books about raising and training dogs, but Puppy Brain is just perfect for new as well as seasoned dog owners.
The book covers everything from conception, birth, crossing the Rainbow Bridge, and anything in between. Not only did Puppy Brain reinforce what I already knew, it also provided superb advice on potty training, chewing, crate training, as well as discipline.
Dotted with cute black and white pictures of puppies and dogs, Puppy Brain is a must read, and must have reference tool for any dog owner. Five outstanding stars.
I received an ARC from Celadon Books. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
The book covers everything from conception, birth, crossing the Rainbow Bridge, and anything in between. Not only did Puppy Brain reinforce what I already knew, it also provided superb advice on potty training, chewing, crate training, as well as discipline.
Dotted with cute black and white pictures of puppies and dogs, Puppy Brain is a must read, and must have reference tool for any dog owner. Five outstanding stars.
I received an ARC from Celadon Books. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 13, 2024
I received a free ARC from the publisher, and I am impressed with the thoroughness of this book. The author is a breeder of Golden Retrievers and covers topics such as the developmental milestones from day 0 to day 56. In addition, finding a good breeder, training your puppy, spaying, and neutering.
This is a wonderful reference book for anyone considering bringing a new puppy into the home.
This is a wonderful reference book for anyone considering bringing a new puppy into the home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2024
This is a MUST READ for anyone considering a puppy. It not only explains puppies from conception onward, it instills the logic for being very particular about the breeder you choose. And even though I’m on my fourth Golden Retriever (and have read many books on training) I still learned a lot from this book. Kerry Nichols does a fantastic job of breaking down the “whys and hows” of selecting a responsible breeder and the stages the puppy brain goes through on the journey to maturity.
You can feel the love and compassion she has for her dogs and for the breeding process. Although I enjoyed the entire book, I particularly liked chapter 15, Train The Humans….because I’ve always believed if you don’t train the trainer, how could you successfully train the dog.
I know my 5th Golden will benefit from the knowledge I gained by reading this book. Thank you so much Kerry Nichols for writing this book and enlightening its readers. I’m sure so many little puppies will have a happier time transitioning to their forever home because of this book.
You can feel the love and compassion she has for her dogs and for the breeding process. Although I enjoyed the entire book, I particularly liked chapter 15, Train The Humans….because I’ve always believed if you don’t train the trainer, how could you successfully train the dog.
I know my 5th Golden will benefit from the knowledge I gained by reading this book. Thank you so much Kerry Nichols for writing this book and enlightening its readers. I’m sure so many little puppies will have a happier time transitioning to their forever home because of this book.
May 11, 2024
A cute read on how to train your puppy and some stories so you know you aren’t alone. Funny, cute and informative! If you have a pup then I recommend this book for sure! Happy reading
May 1, 2024
I have to say, this book is a real treasure in the world of all things about our favorite fur baby. What I love most about this book is how the author stresses the importance of understanding our puppies' needs and choices. It's not just about training; it's about building a strong and loving relationship with our fur baby. Plus, the book is full of cute pictures that definitely melted my heart. This book is also a love letter to the special bond we share with our dogs, offering practical tips and wisdom that will make anyone see their furbaby in a whole new light. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs or wants to deepen their connection with their four-legged baby.
March 21, 2024
This book is both a how-to guide on how to raise a puppy and an exploration of how their experiences shape them. While Kerry Nichols is a dog breeder, and all the dogs that have joined my home since I have become an adult have been rescues, I still found the information very interesting and valuable.
It gave me affirmations of what I was doing right with my scared rescue (Don't invade her space! Let her come to me!) and areas that I could improve (Make nail trims more fun!). Hearing how Kerry introduces new situations and builds resilience in her puppies gave me insight into what probably went wrong in my dog Rue's life in the two years before she came to me.
I loved how the author framed it: "But to me, what's ideal for a dog is a life where she is honored for who she is and not expected to become something she's not. It's a life where her most basic needs are deeply satisfied and one in which her emotional wellness is prioritized so that she develops resilience."
I think all dog owners could benefit from the sections on dog body language. I lived with dogs for years before I fully understood all the ways they communicate with us, and it wasn't really until Rue that I understood the full breadth of dog body language.
As the book so aptly states: "If humans don't read a puppy's body language, that puppy will escalate the language until the humans do understand."
I enjoyed the sections where the author delved into the science of brain elasticity and how those early experiences can shape dogs for years to come. The author's thousands of hours spent with litters of puppies shines through, giving best practices that we can use no matter what age our dog is when they enter our life.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It gave me affirmations of what I was doing right with my scared rescue (Don't invade her space! Let her come to me!) and areas that I could improve (Make nail trims more fun!). Hearing how Kerry introduces new situations and builds resilience in her puppies gave me insight into what probably went wrong in my dog Rue's life in the two years before she came to me.
I loved how the author framed it: "But to me, what's ideal for a dog is a life where she is honored for who she is and not expected to become something she's not. It's a life where her most basic needs are deeply satisfied and one in which her emotional wellness is prioritized so that she develops resilience."
I think all dog owners could benefit from the sections on dog body language. I lived with dogs for years before I fully understood all the ways they communicate with us, and it wasn't really until Rue that I understood the full breadth of dog body language.
As the book so aptly states: "If humans don't read a puppy's body language, that puppy will escalate the language until the humans do understand."
I enjoyed the sections where the author delved into the science of brain elasticity and how those early experiences can shape dogs for years to come. The author's thousands of hours spent with litters of puppies shines through, giving best practices that we can use no matter what age our dog is when they enter our life.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2024
This is a must read book BEFORE you bring home a dog of any age. So much information about puppy development, that you might need to break up your reading times so that you can sleep on the information and let it soak in. As a dog mom who has raised four beautiful, and different dogs, I still learned a lot!! And look forward to using my new and "in addition to" knowledge in the future. Don't have a puppy or plan to get a puppy (maybe rescuing adult and senior dogs)? Well, while this book is really about raising a puppy and the beginning of the puppy's life, I think it can help dog parents better understand dogs of any age, and how an adult dog might react the way it does, and give dog parents a foundation of "history" in which to work from. When you finish the book, you might feel overwhelmed with how much work raising a puppy is, I know I do, and I've been there before. But it's a great reminder that raising a dog IS A LOT of work, so being prepared is vital. And dogs are worth it!!! 🐾
May 4, 2024
Puppy Brain is a beautifully balanced account of evidence based training strategies and practical guidelines that are sure to foster success for both pups and people. Kerry Nichols has clearly done the research behind the methods she presents in this very readable, well organized, and thoughtful book. And, for those interested in delving further into the research, you can find additional resources for each chapter on her website kerrynichols.com/research. I really enjoyed Kerry's use of insightful vignettes from her 15 years of experience as an educated and exceptional breeder to illustrate how to translate the complexities of neuroscience and animal behavior into manageable protocols for week by week training. Puppy Brain is deeply infused with Kerry’s love for canines and her appreciation of the need for human expectations to match the natural capabilities of puppies and dogs. Puppy Brain is a gift to all canines and those who choose to share their lives, homes, and hearts with them. An absolute must read!
May 4, 2024
In Puppy Brian, Nichols shares her experiences as a golden retriever breeder. Her attention to details - antecedents, observational behavior, and trends over time - makes this an informative read for anyone welcoming a new dog, especially puppy, in their home.
As someone who regularly fosters slightly older puppies, this helped me think of some ways to fine-tune how we welcome them and work with them during their time with us.
The different examples of how she works with the dogs were insightful. I would have liked a little more in terms of suggestions for those of us that have broader life commitments, but you can take away ideas from the great amount of detail she shares.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Celadon for this ARC!
As someone who regularly fosters slightly older puppies, this helped me think of some ways to fine-tune how we welcome them and work with them during their time with us.
The different examples of how she works with the dogs were insightful. I would have liked a little more in terms of suggestions for those of us that have broader life commitments, but you can take away ideas from the great amount of detail she shares.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Celadon for this ARC!
April 21, 2024
A beginners book for sure, tips about what to do and what not to do.
The author is a Breeder of. golden retrievers. I myself have a golden retriever, She is a lot of fun. I love her. Though she is a lot of work.. But worth every minute of it. This book gives you lots of insight. So if you're looking for a book, that will help you. Or you just want to read about things to help with a new puppy. This is the one.
I've been a pet mom for many, many years and well. It never hurts to have some new insight.
Pet lovers love to have extra help any time they can.
This Is definitely a good book to have on hand.
The author is a Breeder of. golden retrievers. I myself have a golden retriever, She is a lot of fun. I love her. Though she is a lot of work.. But worth every minute of it. This book gives you lots of insight. So if you're looking for a book, that will help you. Or you just want to read about things to help with a new puppy. This is the one.
I've been a pet mom for many, many years and well. It never hurts to have some new insight.
Pet lovers love to have extra help any time they can.
This Is definitely a good book to have on hand.
January 29, 2025
THIS is the best dog book I've read in years! The only dog book I can even begin to compare it to is Jean Donaldson's Culture Clash. It is written with reverence for the raising and educating of puppies, and conveys the same feeling I have, which is that it is a pleasure to be in a position to have so much influence over the development of another living being. While I personally do not bubble wrap my puppies QUITE as much as she does (and a long history of success with teaching good crate and bath behavior while doing about 10% of the work she does backs me up), the methods she uses are certainly ideal, and if you follow them, you are very likely to have a great canine partner as a lifelong companion. The author gives great guidance (including on topics I am not up-to-date on, like current options for spaying/neutering dogs), but never in a preachy way. This book was good enough to make me want one of her goldens, and that is saying A LOT! Read, read, read, dog people.
September 21, 2024
This book is exceptional. A wonderful blend of first hand experience skilfully combined with scientific research and sprinkled with the most beautiful photos of puppies you have ever seen. If you have a fur baby, have ever loved a dog and absolutely if you plan on adding a dog to your household then you should read this book. While I love golden retrievers ( and currently have one as a member of our family)this book is not breed specific.
Kerry you have a wonderful writing style. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us so that all together we can raise our dogs into the content and resilient dogs they were meant to become.
Kerry you have a wonderful writing style. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us so that all together we can raise our dogs into the content and resilient dogs they were meant to become.
March 24, 2024
You will know everything about training a puppy after this. The only hard part is going to be implementing it.
This book so thoroughly breaks down how to train a puppy that anyone who has read this book will likely be able to have a dog that is considered well mannered and lovable.
There were moments where it got repetitive. But humans have thick skulls so sometime we need to be told something 15 times and trained as well.
A few sections didn’t seem to impart much information. They were few and far between, but they did exist.
I personally loved the opening chapters that really delved into how puppies are growing physically, mentally, and emotionally in their first 8 weeks.
This book also just further cemented for me the difference between a good dog breeder and a bad dog breeder. Of course the author being the shining star example of a good breeder.
I also liked that the author pointed out that while we tend to frown upon people who don’t adopt pets, that there are valid reasons to go to a breeder. Some of those reasons being therapy and guide dogs. For me it made me realize and feel less bad about knowing I am one of those people who will likely need to get a dog (schnauzer most likely) from a breeder because both my husband and I both suffer from dog allergies but can’t imagine a home without one (schnauzer are hypoallergenic).
This book so thoroughly breaks down how to train a puppy that anyone who has read this book will likely be able to have a dog that is considered well mannered and lovable.
There were moments where it got repetitive. But humans have thick skulls so sometime we need to be told something 15 times and trained as well.
A few sections didn’t seem to impart much information. They were few and far between, but they did exist.
I personally loved the opening chapters that really delved into how puppies are growing physically, mentally, and emotionally in their first 8 weeks.
This book also just further cemented for me the difference between a good dog breeder and a bad dog breeder. Of course the author being the shining star example of a good breeder.
I also liked that the author pointed out that while we tend to frown upon people who don’t adopt pets, that there are valid reasons to go to a breeder. Some of those reasons being therapy and guide dogs. For me it made me realize and feel less bad about knowing I am one of those people who will likely need to get a dog (schnauzer most likely) from a breeder because both my husband and I both suffer from dog allergies but can’t imagine a home without one (schnauzer are hypoallergenic).
April 1, 2024
Book Review: Puppy Brain by Kerry Nichols
Rating: 🐶🐶🐶🐶
Genre: Non-Fiction/Self-Help
Publishing Date: 4/30/24
Review: Let me start off by saying thank you to @celadonbooks for my early copy of this book! I typically don’t enjoy these types of books, but as an avid dog person, I knew this would be a good book for me to read. While I don’t agree with everything that Kerry wrote in the book, I did get some useful tips that I plan on using with my current and future dogs (because I will always have a dog in my life! 😉) There are new training exercises that I will try and games that I will incorporate into our daily lives. I recommend reading this book if you have a dog or are thinking about getting one. It has a lot of helpful tips in here to help you make a great relationship with your dog!
Rating: 🐶🐶🐶🐶
Genre: Non-Fiction/Self-Help
Publishing Date: 4/30/24
Review: Let me start off by saying thank you to @celadonbooks for my early copy of this book! I typically don’t enjoy these types of books, but as an avid dog person, I knew this would be a good book for me to read. While I don’t agree with everything that Kerry wrote in the book, I did get some useful tips that I plan on using with my current and future dogs (because I will always have a dog in my life! 😉) There are new training exercises that I will try and games that I will incorporate into our daily lives. I recommend reading this book if you have a dog or are thinking about getting one. It has a lot of helpful tips in here to help you make a great relationship with your dog!
April 6, 2024
This is an excellent book for anyone that is considering adopting a puppy. It was concise and very informative.
May 19, 2024
I am currently reading this book. I have had dogs all my life and goldens the last 27 years. The information Kerry shares is given with such depth that you feel as if you are there with her as she is raising these pups. You can feel how much it means to her to be a good steward of breeding and rearing these incredible creatures. I lost my last golden at the end of March. I had said I was done raising puppies until I began following her on Instagram last fall. I knew when I heard about and pre-ordered her book that with the right information I would be able to do one last puppy in my lifetime. I will be picking up my new puppy in Ohio in early July. Puppy Brain is both informative while also being entertaining and fun. I feel as if I have a mentor and puppy coach. Thank you for writing this book. I interviewed close to 30 breeders before selecting one armed with information Kerry was kind enough to send me. My hope is more breeders will see the benefits of learning and using these protocols. It’s never too late to improve from learning new things.
August 2, 2024
Every time I open this book, I feel myself relax - not only with the calming educational tone of the book, but also the adorable photos! This book was a long-awaited one on my list and it hasn’t disappointed! As a lifelong dog lover, I’ve really enjoyed learning what goes on behind the scenes of responsible breeding, and as I near the time of getting a puppy with my partner (a first-time kahu), this has enticed me to truly prepare myself in a whole new light. I feel like I learn something new every read!
One of the joys of this book comes in the science. As someone with a science background, I’m always a bit nervous to see how approachable scientific concepts are related in books, but Kerry goes a great job making things approachable. There were a couple of phrases/terms I didn’t quite understand, but I still always knew the overall message.
Bottom line: a must read for *breeders*, current and future kahus, and anyone interested in puppy behavior!
One of the joys of this book comes in the science. As someone with a science background, I’m always a bit nervous to see how approachable scientific concepts are related in books, but Kerry goes a great job making things approachable. There were a couple of phrases/terms I didn’t quite understand, but I still always knew the overall message.
Bottom line: a must read for *breeders*, current and future kahus, and anyone interested in puppy behavior!
July 22, 2024
Five stars. Now that the announcement/surprise is out in my family and we have our puppy, I can finally mark this as read!
The book was super informative, and I love the writing style! Getting inside tips on puppies from a breeder is really nice, and I loved how this book was set up. The author writes in a very self-aware, chatty style, if that makes sense. It was very entertaining and easy to read because of this. In addition, all the information (and there is a LOT of good info in here) was easily digestible and well-organized. Overall, the book makes me feel much better prepared to deal with a puppy, and many of the strategies have worked already! (Having a puppy zone, doing crate games, and standing and crossing your arms to stop jumping, to name a few.)
I would highly recommend this to any first-time puppy owners, or anyone who wants to know more about puppies and their training!
The book was super informative, and I love the writing style! Getting inside tips on puppies from a breeder is really nice, and I loved how this book was set up. The author writes in a very self-aware, chatty style, if that makes sense. It was very entertaining and easy to read because of this. In addition, all the information (and there is a LOT of good info in here) was easily digestible and well-organized. Overall, the book makes me feel much better prepared to deal with a puppy, and many of the strategies have worked already! (Having a puppy zone, doing crate games, and standing and crossing your arms to stop jumping, to name a few.)
I would highly recommend this to any first-time puppy owners, or anyone who wants to know more about puppies and their training!
May 14, 2024
Wow, this was a pleasant surprise! I got this book from the publisher and I thought I'd just skim it since my dog is 4 years old but I could go back to it when its time for me to get another puppy. I haven't had too much success with nonfiction books lately so I went in just hoping to get some good tips here and there.
However, this ended up being a great book! The first half was so interesting to me! The whole process of how a dog gets pregnant (should be common sense but I did learn a lot) and then how the puppy grows was so interesting. The author provides a lot of scientific data but its presented in such a easy to read way. If I were to ever get a golden retriever, I would get in the long line for this breeder! I want to gift this to the breeder that I got my dog from and see how much my breeder was doing.
I did think once it got about halfway through and into the part where the puppy is 8 weeks old and home with you wasn't as exciting. BUT if I was bringing home a new puppy, I think this would be excellent! I do feel like I might get a tad overwhelmed trying to follow all of her advice but its definitely great advice to guide a new dog owner.
If you have a dog or are interested in getting a dog, I 100% recommend this book! It was so interesting. I learned a lot and it was very entertaining.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy. I really enjoyed this one!
However, this ended up being a great book! The first half was so interesting to me! The whole process of how a dog gets pregnant (should be common sense but I did learn a lot) and then how the puppy grows was so interesting. The author provides a lot of scientific data but its presented in such a easy to read way. If I were to ever get a golden retriever, I would get in the long line for this breeder! I want to gift this to the breeder that I got my dog from and see how much my breeder was doing.
I did think once it got about halfway through and into the part where the puppy is 8 weeks old and home with you wasn't as exciting. BUT if I was bringing home a new puppy, I think this would be excellent! I do feel like I might get a tad overwhelmed trying to follow all of her advice but its definitely great advice to guide a new dog owner.
If you have a dog or are interested in getting a dog, I 100% recommend this book! It was so interesting. I learned a lot and it was very entertaining.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy. I really enjoyed this one!
August 1, 2024
The book is about the first 14 weeks of a puppies life, how we are teaching them about their world, which can affect the rest of their lives.
“Having raised many different breeds, I’ve slowly changed my views on how to raise a dog. With getting a new puppy, it makes a person think what you would do different. One of my dogs had severe anxiety with loud noises. I don’t wish this on anyone. This book helped me realize that in many cases they are born with it but there are things you can do in the first 14 weeks to help with many different things that help with fear, aggression, people ect.
If you have an older dog already that displays some of these traits, it’s still a book to read, but especially for anyone that plans on getting a pup”
“Having raised many different breeds, I’ve slowly changed my views on how to raise a dog. With getting a new puppy, it makes a person think what you would do different. One of my dogs had severe anxiety with loud noises. I don’t wish this on anyone. This book helped me realize that in many cases they are born with it but there are things you can do in the first 14 weeks to help with many different things that help with fear, aggression, people ect.
If you have an older dog already that displays some of these traits, it’s still a book to read, but especially for anyone that plans on getting a pup”
June 12, 2024
🐶 Won in a giveaway 🧠
I wasn't sure how much I would like this book when I saw it was written by a dog breeder, but she really knows her stuff. I do dog training at work and she talks about very similar or the very same methods we use while training. I really loved how she educates the readers to take things slow, introducing new things to dogs and puppies and teaching children not to grab, be too rough and being loud around dogs. It's very easy to follow. She goes step by step. I know the frustration when trying to tell someone a way to teach their pet something (without me being too pushy about it) and having the person just go back to whatever way wasn't working. I love reading animal books and I really enjoyed this one. I highly recommend as it is super informative and the pictures of the Golden Retriever puppies are adorable. The author is right, they do look like baby polar bears! Thank you to the author, Kerry Nichols, Celadon Books and Goodreads for my uncorrected proof copy. Happy reading! 🐾💕🐾💕
I wasn't sure how much I would like this book when I saw it was written by a dog breeder, but she really knows her stuff. I do dog training at work and she talks about very similar or the very same methods we use while training. I really loved how she educates the readers to take things slow, introducing new things to dogs and puppies and teaching children not to grab, be too rough and being loud around dogs. It's very easy to follow. She goes step by step. I know the frustration when trying to tell someone a way to teach their pet something (without me being too pushy about it) and having the person just go back to whatever way wasn't working. I love reading animal books and I really enjoyed this one. I highly recommend as it is super informative and the pictures of the Golden Retriever puppies are adorable. The author is right, they do look like baby polar bears! Thank you to the author, Kerry Nichols, Celadon Books and Goodreads for my uncorrected proof copy. Happy reading! 🐾💕🐾💕
November 20, 2024
This book is equal parts fascinating, inspiring, and intimidating! I learned so much about how puppies develop in their early days and just how much of an impact we can have on their lives. I will do my best to apply many of these concepts with my first golden puppy (who will be joining our family in the new year!), much of what is laid out in the book feels very aspirational. Although, I think that is may be the point of the book - to help you think about what a best case scenario might look like and then to modify or pair down to what you are able to manage. At the end of the day, it's about building a trusting bond between you and your dog. Also, the pictures are absolutely adorable.
July 25, 2024
super helpful. i feel a lot more prepared to get my puppy
May 9, 2024
ALL THINGS PUPPY in one fantastic book!!! Kerry Nichols is the author of this book as well as an ethical and loving breeder of golden retriever puppies; you can discover her as I did on Instagram @nicholberrygoldens. I really thought I knew so much about dogs and training until I stumbled upon Kerry. After reading this very thorough book, I feel so much better prepared for my next puppy down the road. Kerry thoughtfully explains health clearances (THIS IS HUGE PEOPLE) brain development, what goes on in the first 14 weeks of life and how to prepare and handle each stage. This book is NOT just about golden retriever puppies, it can be applied to really any breed of dog and lays a solid foundation to educate dog owners on the importance of those first 14 weeks of life. For other breeders out there, Kerry’s well researched puppy development and breeding practice should be THE GOLD STANDARD for ALL breeders. Kerry’s style of writing is a joy to read and you’ll have so much more knowledge that we ALL WILL DO BETTER BECAUSE WE KNOW BETTER!!! Love and humor are dispersed throughout every page, making it a delight to read. I can guarantee that you will not find a better book on raising an “emotionally resilient puppy.” We all would love a puppy that comes to us that has been well prepared and is NOT phased by fireworks, loud noises, riding in a car, vacuum cleaners (this is the short list) and is an EMOTIONALLY CONFIDENT puppy prepared to be the next member of your family.
I respectfully disagree with another review that stated the book was repetitive. Each chapter builds upon the chapter prior; in any educational model of learning, there are times that it is necessary to refer back to a concept to solidify a point. That is not repetitive, it’s an educational journey. Additionally, if you are a “rescue proponent” and close yourself off to thinking that is the one and only way anyone should become a dog owner, you are really missing out on the point and value of this book. Kerry wrote this book for the benefit of all dog owners. How lucky are we to discover a new author that can educate and respect all dog owners regardless of whether they choose a rescue or purchase from a breeder?? Now, I will be the repetitive one and state the obvious…..WE ARE ALL lucky to be part of PUPPY BRAIN!!!
I respectfully disagree with another review that stated the book was repetitive. Each chapter builds upon the chapter prior; in any educational model of learning, there are times that it is necessary to refer back to a concept to solidify a point. That is not repetitive, it’s an educational journey. Additionally, if you are a “rescue proponent” and close yourself off to thinking that is the one and only way anyone should become a dog owner, you are really missing out on the point and value of this book. Kerry wrote this book for the benefit of all dog owners. How lucky are we to discover a new author that can educate and respect all dog owners regardless of whether they choose a rescue or purchase from a breeder?? Now, I will be the repetitive one and state the obvious…..WE ARE ALL lucky to be part of PUPPY BRAIN!!!
August 18, 2024
As what started as an Instagram following of cute puppies grew into a deep respect for the message that Kerry is passionate about putting out into the world, I couldn’t wait to read this book! After losing my first golden baby after 11 years and preparing to bring home my second golden baby timed beautifully with the release of Puppy Brain, this book guided me through reflection, planning, and emotional connection that helped me feel like I would be setting my home and heart up for raising a calm, confident, well adjusted new family member and hopeful future therapy dog. Kerry’s guidance on what to look for in a breeder helped me build a relationship with a fantastic one that included me in the process of puppy parenthood before this sweet mama dog was even pregnant. In sharing Kerry’s book with her, she was so deeply impressed by the commitment to ethical breeding and the home matching process and recommended this book to all of the puppy families she worked with. I love how the information is organized in a way that I can go back for a quick chapter refresh as needed. Necessary read for any future puppy family or those looking to better understand and connect with their dog!
May 31, 2024
I’ll admit that I pre-ordered “Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love" (and several more to give to friends) and was eagerly awaiting its release.
This book did NOT disappoint!
Whether you’re a longtime dog owner, a brand new dog owner, or thinking about becoming a dog owner, there’s something within the content of this wonderful book which will resonate.
Personally, after 3 1/2 plus decades of Retrievers (Golden and Labrador), I’ve come to better understand how canines perceive the world, and what I can do to honor their individual personalities.
The book is a combination of firsthand knowledge and factual information, presented in an approachable style, sprinkled with humor AND pictures that will have the reader smiling.
In addition to this book, author and breeder Kerry Nichols/Nicholberry Goldens, uses the Instagram social media platform to share a front row seat to her intentional breeding practices and how she ensures the best outcomes, from pre-conception through the first eight weeks- and beyond, by placing each puppy with the right owner.
This book did NOT disappoint!
Whether you’re a longtime dog owner, a brand new dog owner, or thinking about becoming a dog owner, there’s something within the content of this wonderful book which will resonate.
Personally, after 3 1/2 plus decades of Retrievers (Golden and Labrador), I’ve come to better understand how canines perceive the world, and what I can do to honor their individual personalities.
The book is a combination of firsthand knowledge and factual information, presented in an approachable style, sprinkled with humor AND pictures that will have the reader smiling.
In addition to this book, author and breeder Kerry Nichols/Nicholberry Goldens, uses the Instagram social media platform to share a front row seat to her intentional breeding practices and how she ensures the best outcomes, from pre-conception through the first eight weeks- and beyond, by placing each puppy with the right owner.
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