Puppy: One Year Review

I don't want to share her name here because tons of robots scrape this site and they will try to better target their phishing attempts.

In my first days of dog ownership, I had just started a new remote job, which seemed like the perfect setup to keep a close eye on her. I’d been wanting one for a while, so when the time was right, I headed to the Humane Society of Charlotte — and before I knew it, I was bringing home a wiggly (this was the official status I got from the vet!), sweet, reactive little pup.

She settled in much faster than I expected. I’d heard so many stories about dogs feeling nervous for weeks in a new environment, but within just a few hours, she was wagging her tail, sniffing around every corner, and making herself right at home. It felt like an absolute dream—like we were meant to find each other. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of an eventful (and sometimes bumpy) journey.

A (Surprisingly) Smooth Transition

Those first few days were almost suspiciously calm. She ate well, slept well, and seemed eager to explore everything from the living room couch to the big yard outside. But, within a few days, real-life challenges and big decisions started rolling in. Here are some of the pitfalls I stumbled into—and the lessons learned along the way.

Mistake #1: Anthropomorphizing Socialization

In my eagerness to be a “good puppy parent,” I wanted my dog to be well-socialized. I read that socialization is crucial in a dog’s early life to help them grow into a confident, happy adult. So, within a few weeks of bringing her home, I was proudly taking her down the road to the local dog park.

Spoiler alert: Not the best plan. Especially because she was already showing signs of reactivity. I noticed she would tense up or bark at certain dogs, and the dog park only magnified that. She very rudely pulled the cute little jackets off other dogs, played too rough, and often ignored my attempts to get her attention. It was a recipe for chaos — and it definitely wasn’t safe for her or the other pups.

The Lesson: Socialization doesn’t have to mean neck-biting with random dogs at the park. It can be simple things like exploring new environments, experiencing different surfaces (like gravel, grass, and her favorite -- sand!), sniffing around unfamiliar areas, learning new tricks, and just moving her body in new ways. “Enrichment” can be a walk in the neighborhood or even some agility (my personal favorite has been “environmental agility” — using things you find on walks, like benches or low walls or whatnot, to keep her brain engaged). The dog park just wasn’t her vibe, and that’s okay!

Mistake #2: Not Researching One Trainer

Look up “dog training tips” online, and you’ll find a million different approaches — some contradict each other entirely. One person swears by positive reinforcement only (treats and praise), another suggests a blend of methods, and you’ll also come across old-school, punishment-based methods.

I wanted a balanced approach:

• One that would teach good obedience (so I wouldn’t have a dislocated shoulder every time we went on a walk)
• One that wouldn’t turn my dog into a little dog-robot who’s too scared to sniff around or show personality
• One that didn’t rely on negative reinforcement or harsh corrections, which isn't my style

Finding a trainer who aligned with my values took some trial and error. I wish I’d done deeper research from the start, because hopping between different training philosophies was expensive and time-consuming. Eventually, I found an amazing trainer who taught me how to use fun, positive methods to guide my pup toward better manners. It made a world of difference—but I definitely learned the hard way that consistent, well-informed training is invaluable.

To be more crass: it's an investment. You have 10+ years together so it's worth every penny to ensure that those years are as mutually pleasant as possible.

Mistake #3: Being Overly Trusting (aka Letting Her Roam Off-Leash)

I’d occasionally let her roam around a vacant area if I saw nobody else around. The problem? I had no idea if another dog (who might also be reactive) was just around the corner. Or if a squirrel was about to dart out. It was a big gamble, and looking back, I realize how lucky I was that we never encountered any incidents.

The Lesson: Even if you trust your dog, they’re still an animal with instincts you can’t fully predict — especially in new or distracting environments. It’s always better to have a secure plan (long-line leash has been super helpful!).

What I’d Do Differently

Start with Gentle Socialization

Not every dog needs to meet a dozen strange dogs in a high-energy environment right away. If your pup is anxious or reactive, try smaller meetups with just one calm dog, or simply take walks parallel to other dogs without direct contact.

Research Trainers Early

Narrow down the training methods that resonate with you. Ask about their techniques, philosophy, and credentials. If something feels off, trust your gut and keep looking until you find a good match.

Err on the Side of Caution

Until you truly know your dog’s temperament (and can trust their recall), keep them safely on a leash or in a fenced area. Letting them roam off-leash might be a big risk, especially if they’re still adjusting to you and the environment.

Broaden Your Definition of “Enrichment”

Sure, dog parks are fun for some pups, but enrichment can be much more than romping with other dogs. Puzzle feeders, nose work games (like hiding treats around the house), basic agility exercises, or simply letting them sniff to their heart’s content on a slow walk can all provide mental stimulation.

A Year Later

Despite these missteps, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. My pup has shown me endless affection, kept me company during long work-from-home days, and made my life a whole lot more interesting.

As we celebrate her "adoption day", I’m proud of how far we've come. She’s calmer in new environments, I’m more confident in guiding her, and we’re both still learning every day. It's been quite difficult in ways that I didn't expect, and we have plenty more to work on, but we are headed in the right direction.