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How to Raise a Puppy: A Dog-centric Approach
How to Raise a Puppy moves away from the traditional approach to raising puppies, focused on obedience and control, and instead takes an holistic, dog-centred approach. Drawing on research into how dogs naturally rear their young, and how dogs have evolved to behave and spend their time, it supports a new way of sharing our lives with our dogs. It also offers advice on dealing with some of the common challenges people experience with puppies, and tips for managing adolescence.
A much-needed resource for dog trainers, veterinarians and behaviourists to recommend to clients, this conveys a powerful message to help overcome all too common issues so many people have with their puppies. Packed with practical advice, it offers an overdue "puppy perspective", with respect for a dog as a sentient being at its core.
A much-needed resource for dog trainers, veterinarians and behaviourists to recommend to clients, this conveys a powerful message to help overcome all too common issues so many people have with their puppies. Packed with practical advice, it offers an overdue "puppy perspective", with respect for a dog as a sentient being at its core.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2022
1 person is currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Rousseau
5 booksSteph Rousseau studied in Trinity College Dublin and then Cambridge University before moving to London and adopting an ex-racing greyhound called Alife.
Alfie's numerous behavioural issues pulled her into the world of dog training, and she soon caught the bug. She began working as a dog trainer and canine behaviour consultant in 2013, and since then has been offering behaviour consults, social walks and puppy classes.
Her book on office dogs grew out of her final project for Turid Rugaas's International Dog Trainers' Education, and she has spoken internationally on the topic.
Alfie's numerous behavioural issues pulled her into the world of dog training, and she soon caught the bug. She began working as a dog trainer and canine behaviour consultant in 2013, and since then has been offering behaviour consults, social walks and puppy classes.
Her book on office dogs grew out of her final project for Turid Rugaas's International Dog Trainers' Education, and she has spoken internationally on the topic.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 18, 2023
“It is our view that in order to grow into a great dog, your puppy does not need lots of training, he just needs love, understanding, some good habits and the chance to be a dog!” - Stephanie Rousseau and Turid Rugaas
Why did I get this book?
For a very long time I have been searching for a puppy book I could recommend with good conscience to new and experienced pet parents alike. The closest I have come so far has been Gwen Bailey’s “The perfect puppy”, but even with that I wasn’t entirely satisfied: it was a final compromise before giving up on my quest. But to my luck, this book dropped out of the sky when I was just about to give up. And I just had to read it. I did in fact end up getting two copies because my youngest dog loved it so much that she needed at taste. Of course that was my fault for leaving the book on the couch in the first place before I left for work.
What does this book do?
What is says on the tin. It teaches you how to successfully raise a puppy. And while many books claim this, what makes this book special is the approach. The book starts out with a chapter about what a dog is and how a dog would dog with no human intervention. From this introduction, the reader is brought on a journey into how we as humans can best mimic the natural care of puppies and help them grow happy and confident in our home. What truly sets this book apart from the masses though, is the complete absence of obedience focused approach. Instead we’re taught how to integrate our dogs into the household by giving them safety and love while meeting their needs and apply ever so gentle teaching techniques to help our puppies understand how the human world works. I grew particularly fond of this book when I saw that finally there’s a puppy book taking a stand against confinement. This book will teach you to cohabitate with your new family member without needing to use crates and it even is kind enough to highlight the potential downfalls to the practise. This book is great if you already have your puppy in your home, but also if you’re having thoughts about adding a new member to your household. A chapter in the book is dedicated to picking a puppy, talking to breeders, understanding breeds, and get ready to take your new puppy home. In short, this is so far the most complete and dog-compassionate puppy book I have read and I highly recommend it to anyone having or looking to have a puppy in their life, regardless of their experience level.
What does this book not do?
Obedience. If you’re looking for a book on how to teach your pup sit, stand, down, heel or any other trick, this is not the book. However, if you’re just starting out with a new puppy, you don’t need obedience anyway, so I’d suggest you’d go ahead and buy this book instead of what you were looking for. Obedience is super easy to teach if we have the foundation down and this book is just that: the foundation to a great relationship.
Why did I get this book?
For a very long time I have been searching for a puppy book I could recommend with good conscience to new and experienced pet parents alike. The closest I have come so far has been Gwen Bailey’s “The perfect puppy”, but even with that I wasn’t entirely satisfied: it was a final compromise before giving up on my quest. But to my luck, this book dropped out of the sky when I was just about to give up. And I just had to read it. I did in fact end up getting two copies because my youngest dog loved it so much that she needed at taste. Of course that was my fault for leaving the book on the couch in the first place before I left for work.
What does this book do?
What is says on the tin. It teaches you how to successfully raise a puppy. And while many books claim this, what makes this book special is the approach. The book starts out with a chapter about what a dog is and how a dog would dog with no human intervention. From this introduction, the reader is brought on a journey into how we as humans can best mimic the natural care of puppies and help them grow happy and confident in our home. What truly sets this book apart from the masses though, is the complete absence of obedience focused approach. Instead we’re taught how to integrate our dogs into the household by giving them safety and love while meeting their needs and apply ever so gentle teaching techniques to help our puppies understand how the human world works. I grew particularly fond of this book when I saw that finally there’s a puppy book taking a stand against confinement. This book will teach you to cohabitate with your new family member without needing to use crates and it even is kind enough to highlight the potential downfalls to the practise. This book is great if you already have your puppy in your home, but also if you’re having thoughts about adding a new member to your household. A chapter in the book is dedicated to picking a puppy, talking to breeders, understanding breeds, and get ready to take your new puppy home. In short, this is so far the most complete and dog-compassionate puppy book I have read and I highly recommend it to anyone having or looking to have a puppy in their life, regardless of their experience level.
What does this book not do?
Obedience. If you’re looking for a book on how to teach your pup sit, stand, down, heel or any other trick, this is not the book. However, if you’re just starting out with a new puppy, you don’t need obedience anyway, so I’d suggest you’d go ahead and buy this book instead of what you were looking for. Obedience is super easy to teach if we have the foundation down and this book is just that: the foundation to a great relationship.
September 8, 2024
Best research-informed guidance on dogs since Zazie Todd’s Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy. This is an empathetic, rigorous yet accessible book. I found it really helpful, even mind blowing at times. I’ll definitely be recommending this book to everyone with a dog or thinking of a life with one.
May 31, 2024
If you are considering getting this book, just get it!
I am currently studying to become a dog trainer and have found this book one of the best.
It is super clear to read and to the point. The paragraphs are short but covers all the basis for raising a puppy.
Being from a dog centric position is so progressive wnd I hope this is the way the world of dog care will go. The book explains puppy behaviour by addressing first the function. So many books do not cover the why, but this one does, so refreshing.
My brain is like a sponge right now and I most certainly have taken so much from this book. I particularly liked how the authors explained jumping up (no spoilers).
I will now be researching both authors now I have found a book I thoroughly resonate with.
I am currently studying to become a dog trainer and have found this book one of the best.
It is super clear to read and to the point. The paragraphs are short but covers all the basis for raising a puppy.
Being from a dog centric position is so progressive wnd I hope this is the way the world of dog care will go. The book explains puppy behaviour by addressing first the function. So many books do not cover the why, but this one does, so refreshing.
My brain is like a sponge right now and I most certainly have taken so much from this book. I particularly liked how the authors explained jumping up (no spoilers).
I will now be researching both authors now I have found a book I thoroughly resonate with.
November 14, 2022
Very informative book on puppies. Great insights and really highlights the latest research in the puppy training field. Would highly recommend.
November 16, 2022
The book is fine if you have unlimited time to spend with a puppy and all you are going to do is have a pet.
I LOVE that they are not thrilled with Dog Parks and Dog Day care and Most puppy classes. They DO give advice on how to find good puppy class or dog day care.
Things I dislike are the recommendation of using a harness to walk/train your dog (harnesses lead to unclear communication IME). I LOVE that they are against anti-pull front clip harnesses and head halters.
I disagree with their universal hard "no" on dog crates as a management tool.
They say that a puppy should not come home with you until 10 weeks. That is fine BUT if the breeder insists you take a puppy at 8 weeks old the authors suggest you LIE to the breeder and fabricate a vacation or "something" so the puppy stays an extra two weeks. Lying to your puppy's breeder is a hard NO for me. A good breeder will stay involved in your puppy's life until the day the dog dies. Starting that relationship with a lie is a big NO in my mind.
A lot of the book is good for the first time puppy owner and it's very good of you have lots of time (and funds!) to devote to your puppy.
I LOVE that they are not thrilled with Dog Parks and Dog Day care and Most puppy classes. They DO give advice on how to find good puppy class or dog day care.
Things I dislike are the recommendation of using a harness to walk/train your dog (harnesses lead to unclear communication IME). I LOVE that they are against anti-pull front clip harnesses and head halters.
I disagree with their universal hard "no" on dog crates as a management tool.
They say that a puppy should not come home with you until 10 weeks. That is fine BUT if the breeder insists you take a puppy at 8 weeks old the authors suggest you LIE to the breeder and fabricate a vacation or "something" so the puppy stays an extra two weeks. Lying to your puppy's breeder is a hard NO for me. A good breeder will stay involved in your puppy's life until the day the dog dies. Starting that relationship with a lie is a big NO in my mind.
A lot of the book is good for the first time puppy owner and it's very good of you have lots of time (and funds!) to devote to your puppy.
February 20, 2024
Very educational book that covers everything about raising a puppy. The method is based on the latest scientific insights and is very animal-friendly. I would recommend this book to anyone considering a puppy. Read this book before purchasing a puppy, as it also contains information about purchasing and selecting a puppy.
September 7, 2025
I adore everything Turid puts out and recommend her work to everyone who has a dog.
Even if you don’t have a puppy, this book has some incredible knowledge to share to make your life with an adult dog so much better, easier and filled with new understanding of situations you may have never even registered to be important.
Dog parents, read Turid Rugaas, you will love it 🩷
Even if you don’t have a puppy, this book has some incredible knowledge to share to make your life with an adult dog so much better, easier and filled with new understanding of situations you may have never even registered to be important.
Dog parents, read Turid Rugaas, you will love it 🩷
February 1, 2023
Raising a puppy with information based on the dog's natural behaviours backed up by scientific evidence, plus Turid and Stephanie's ethical philosophy is the best thing one can do for their dog.
Very analytical and covering every aspect of a dog's development and needs.
Highly recommended!
Very analytical and covering every aspect of a dog's development and needs.
Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews