Sometimes we come across things that just 'speak to us' and put into words all we think and feel, This article has been in circulation for years, there are multiple variation of it, so its no longer a single work, and I've adapted too, it but I believe the original can be attributed it to J. Ellis (Copyright Public Domain/Open Access 2000)
Are you Really Ready for Me ?
I am a Puppy
My intelligence and capacity for learning is the same as an 8-month-old child.
I am a Puppy
I will chew everything I can get my teeth in. Its how I explore and learn about the world. Even human children put things in their mouths. You need to guide me about what is mine to chew and what is not.
If I am chewing the wrong thing, growl at me "No!" and give me a toy I can chew, better yet, pick up things you don't want me to have.
I can't tell the difference between your old and new socks, or an old sneaker you gave me and your $200 Nikes. They all just smell like you!, and its a smell I'm growing to love.
I am a Puppy
I am a puppy, accidents will happen, please be patient with me! I will learn, it just takes time and practise.
To start with I probably can't hold on longer than 1-2 hours. And I don't know yet that I even need to poop until I feel it want to come out. Sorry I can't tell you I need to go, but watch me, I like doing small circles as I find just the right spot.
p.s. I'll get better, and should have good control when I'm about 6 months old, although hopefully sooner.
Don't punish me if you haven't reminded me, or let me out and I have an accident, that's your fault really. I need to go toilet after: Eating, Sleeping, Playing, Drinking about every 2 hours.
A crate will help me learn to toilet train easier and quicker, so you don;t get mad at me, if I have an accident.
I am a Puppy
I love to play. I will run around, and chase imaginary monsters, your feet, your toes, fuzz balls, other pets, and even kids. It is play; it's what I do!
Don't be mad or expect me to be calm all the time, or lie around all day.
If you think my high-energy level is too much for you, maybe an older puppy might be a better option, talk to Carolyn.
My play is beneficial, your wisdom can guide me to play with appropriate toys, and activities like chasing a rolling ball, or toys I'm allowed to chew .
If I nip too hard, talk to me in "dog talk", growl at me "No!", I will usually get the message, and how dogs talk to each other.
If I get too rough, simply ignore me for a few minutes or put me in my crate for some time out.
I am a Puppy
You wouldn't yell, hit, kick or beat a 6-month-old human infant so please don't do that to me.
I'm actually more delicate than you think, and very impressionable. If you treat me harshly now, I will grow up learning to fear being hit, kicked or beaten.
Instead, please guide me with encouragement, and wisdom.
I am a Puppy
I have feelings like pain, pleasure, fear, and joy much like yours, but yet very different.
I'm not a human in a dog suit, nor a robot who can instantly obey your every whim.
But I truly want to please you, and be a part of your family, and everyday life. I hope you got me because you want a loving companion, so don't ignore me or relegate me to the backyard when I get bigger.
Don't judge me harshly. Instead mould me with gentleness and guidelines and training into the kind of family member you want me to be.
I am a Puppy
I am not perfect, and I know you are not either. I Love you anyway!
Learn all you can about training, and puppy behaviours and caring for me.
Learning about cocker spaniels "characteristics & traits" will help you understand why I do the things I do.
Please teach me with love, and patience, the right way to behave, by taking me to puppy classes, for socializing and training, we really can have a lot of fun together and meet some new friends.
I am a Puppy
I want more than anything to love you, to be with you, and to please you.
And for you to love me back.
Won't you please take time to understand how I work?
We are the same, yet we are also very different, so we need to learn about and understand each other's language, body signals, wants and needs.