The Journal
Honest notes on raising a puppy
No fluff. Just what we've learned living it every day.
March 10, 2026
Your Puppy's First Week Home
The first week isn't about training. It's about trust. Here's how we approached Marlowe's first days with us and what actually mattered.
March 17, 2026
Your Puppy Isn't Bad. They're Tired.
Most of the behaviour people call 'bad' is actually a puppy who's been awake too long. Here's what overtiredness looks like and what to do about it.
March 24, 2026
Settle Training: Teaching Calm Without Force
Calm isn't something you demand. It's something you build. Here's how we teach Marlowe to settle using capture, timing, and patience.
March 31, 2026
We Don't Crate Overnight. Here's What We Do Instead.
The crate is a regulation tool, not a container. Marlowe sleeps in our bed. During the day, the crate is where she learns to rest.
April 7, 2026
Two Kids, One Puppy. How We Make It Work.
Our boys are 10 and 12. They make treats, read body language, and respect when Marlowe's done. Here's how we set that up.
April 14, 2026
Housetraining Without Shame
Every accident is a setup issue, not a dog failure. Here's the system that got Marlowe reliable indoors in under three weeks.
April 21, 2026
Daily Handling: Building a Dog Who Trusts Your Hands
Paws, ears, tail, mouth. Every day, low pressure, no force. Here's how we're building a dog who actually relaxes during grooming.
April 28, 2026
Enrichment Isn't Entertainment. It's Regulation.
Lick mats, frozen kongs, scatter feeds. We don't use enrichment to tire Marlowe out. We use it to bring her down.