Authors Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods aren’t dog trainers, per se, but the married couple have a more advanced pedigree. Both are research scientists with a mission of learning the secrets of the puppy mind at their facility at Duke University.
The allure of owning a dog comes down to this, as they write in the introduction: “Living with a great dog is one of the true joys in life. No matter how disappointed they might be that the morning walk wasn’t twice as long ... they are always happy to see us when we walk through the door.” They get us up and out into the fresh air, they’re always there to provide comfort, and their loving presence is constant.
Puppy Kindergarten
What the duo wanted to go deeper than simply observing the temperaments of the puppies. They wanted to understand the puppies’ cognitive abilities, or brain functions. Getting an idea of the puppy’s level of fear and self-control, and the strength of its memory had a two-fold benefit: It can provide insights into whether the dog is a good match for its potential owner, and whether it has a future as a canine companion. “Service dogs,” the authors say, “need self-control to keep them on track when they want to play with other dogs or chase a squirrel.”That quality, as well as remembering people, places, and past situations, are some of the cognitive skills observed at the Puppy Kindergarten school, a fenced off park and play area near the Biological Sciences building of Duke University in North Carolina.
In 12 chapters, the book introduces an array of adorable puppies, including Congo, an older and confident retired service dog. Considered the principal of the school, Congo is the “embodiment of calm,” an example to the new students in how to walk on a loose leash or follow the pace of the person he is with. When his leadership is observed by visitors, the authors take the opportunity to remind visitors that the puppy parent needs to act just like Congo: stay close, be consistent, and possess endless patience.
It’s fascinating to follow along in the early days of a puppy’s life through the eyes of the authors. At eight weeks old, the pup is now weaned from its mother, and its senses are starting to develop. It’s at this point that they’re ready to start kindergarten. For the next 10 weeks, with their brains rapidly developing, their cognitive skills will be tested, individual personalities will be noted, and their social interactions will be observed.
Service Companions
The puppies include a mix of litters sent by Canine Companions, one of the largest service dog organizations and a partner in the Duke University program. Because so many people need service dogs, the authors started this program to help quicken the process of determining which of the dogs enrolled has what it takes to move on in the companion program. “The short supply of professionally trained dogs” the authors explain, “has created an opportunity for fake service dog trainers who take advantage of those desperate to find a dog to help their child, parent or loved one.”Just like any other kindergarten, lots of helping hands are needed; for that the authors look to the Duke University undergraduate class. Every semester, around 100 volunteers bathe the pups, brush their teeth, and do “pick up” work out in the yard. What they also do, and probably more important, is to bring the dogs out to see the world. The volunteers take the puppies to the cafeteria, library, and lecture hall, making the entire campus the puppy’s home.
The Puppy’s Growing Brain
Once the authors have accomplished their Puppy Kindergarten program observations, the last chapter offers helpful takeaways. At eight weeks the puppies’ ability to remember starts to show, at 10 weeks they start to understand gestures, and at 14 weeks, they can make eye contact and demonstrate self-control. Of course, with all students, there are exceptions. Some master communications early on but struggle with games; some will improve after repeated attempts, and some never will.Those with a new puppy on the way, or one who’s just arrived, may want to go right to the appendices. Appendix I gives the recommended supplies that range from the kind of crate to purchase, to appropriate toys, and first aid items to have on hand. Appendix II offers a suggested puppy daily schedule for the new pet owner, including the first morning walk, feeding, and play time.
Whether you’ve just brought a new pup home, are an experienced dog owner, or simply enjoy reading about how animals develop, “Puppy Kindergarten: The New Science of Raising A Great Dog” will satisfy the inquisitive reader. Go fetch your copy today.
