Before reading this book, I considered puppies idiots and frankly, I still do. They don't understand that their tiny teeth are super sharp, that their paws are bigger than they can handle, and that not everything needs to be in your mouth, essentially, a human child in the first few stages of their life. This book was a guide to all that idiotic behavior and helped me decide if I want to stick with old and seasoned, or young and brand-new, when I begin searching for my next dog. Informative, a fun read, idiots will be idiots.

Who doesn't love puppies? This book is filled with cuteness overload, but also provides research that is both helpful and informative in how puppies become adults eager to learn and help their owners. I felt the book and Puppy Kindergarten at Duke University was so interesting. The lab set on campus to study and raise puppies each semester in order to understand if environment plays a role in how puppies learn. I also found the pandemic impact on the study as a once in a lifetime opportunity to better understand these outcomes. This book provided me with a deeper understanding of how we need animals in our lives, and why dogs do indeed make the best companions.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

“Puppy Kindergarten” takes us beyond the adorable antics of puppies to explore the fascinating science behind their development. Authors Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods invite us into their Duke Puppy Kindergarten, where they unravel the secrets of the puppy mind.

Through playful experiments, Hare and Woods investigate what factors predict whether a puppy will grow up to be an exceptional dog. From memory retention to self-control, they reveal the critical stages of puppy brain development.

Applying techniques used in child psychology, the authors introduce us to Arthur, Wisdom, and Ying—puppies with distinct personalities. We learn when puppies start retaining memories and how they navigate cognitive challenges.

Whether you’re a new puppy parent or a seasoned dog lover, “Puppy Kindergarten” provides answers. When do puppies sleep through the night? How can we raise them to be their best selves? Hare and Woods offer practical guidance.

“Puppy Kindergarten” is a firehose of knowledge infused with levity. The authors blend science and charm, making complex concepts accessible. Their passion for understanding puppies shines through, leaving us better equipped to raise great dogs.

For anyone curious about the magic behind puppyhood or seeking to foster a lifelong bond with their furry companion, this book is a delightful and informative read. Pre-order your copy—it’s a game-changer for dog lovers.

Sometimes the smallest paws leave the biggest imprints on our hearts. 🐾❤️

“Puppy Kindergarten” by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods explores the cognitive development of puppies through engaging experiments at Duke University’s unique facility. Motivated by their love for a service dog named Congo and a gap in puppy development research, the authors delve into how and when puppies acquire crucial cognitive skills like self-control and cooperative communication.

The book is rich with anecdotes and backed by cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary anthropology research. It offers an accessible look at how puppies learn and interact with their environment, providing insights into what makes effective assistance dogs and general canine behavior and cognition.

Hare and Woods balance scientific detail with humor and warmth, making complex concepts approachable. “Puppy Kindergarten” will captivate dog lovers, trainers, and anyone interested in animal behavior, offering a fresh perspective on our canine companions’ emotional and cognitive lives.

Just got a puppy and Puppy Kindergarten was priceless! What a great start to our lil dog's life! Thank you and highly recommend!

Puppy Kindergarten, The new Science of Raising a Great Dog was a fun and warm look at raising puppies. The authors, Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods work with Canine Companions who train puppies to become service dogs to help people with disabilities. Puppy Kindergarten is held at Duke University and involves many volunteers and staff members. The book begins with an introduction to Congo, the dog that helps to train the puppies. What a special dog! The book explains what they look for in a puppy and the traits that will enable the puppy to succeed as a support dog. Interesting topics include how the program continued through the turmoil of COVID, the puppy brain and how they learn, and the data they collected over the years of working with all of the puppies. This is a very interesting and informative book on raising a puppy.. #PuppyKindergarten #NetGalley #RandomHousePublishingGroup #RandomHouse

Very interesting book! I loved learning more about their program and how a puppy's brain works. I also loved learning more about thimgs I need to do to care for my puppy. I'll admit I feel like a bad.puppyom now for not doing enough of some things but I also feel good about the thi gs I have done well.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.