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If you want to know canine psychologist Alexandra Horowitz’ best advice for training a puppy, it can be summed up in one sentence: “Expect that your puppy will not be who you think, nor act as you hope.”

That truth — which can both delight and confound new puppy caretakers — is at the center of her new book, “

.” A longtime researcher of canine behavior, Horowitz realized she had never examined those critical first months of a dog’s life. So in 2020, she started to observe litters from birth on. When the pandemic shut down the world, she brought one of those puppies into her already animal-centric home — and almost immediately had second thoughts. 

But adapting to Quiddity, their new pup, gave her fresh insight into doggie development. Ultimately, it reinforced her belief that human companions need to respect and enjoy these creatures that live with us but are fundamentally different. If all we do is focus on how to train the puppy, we miss them becoming themselves. 

This is a can’t-miss conversation between MPR News host and dog lover, Kerri Miller, and Horowitz. 

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

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Dog week continues on Big Books and Bold Ideas with a conversation about what canine researcher Alexandra Horowitz learned by observing and then adopting a puppy. What happens during that critical first year of a dog’s life — and how can learning about it help us become better companions and caretakers? 

Canine psychologist Alexandra Horowitz on her book 'The Year of the Puppy'

Photo of woman and her book, "The Year of the Puppy"

Canine psychologist Alexandra Horowitz on her book 'The Year of the Puppy'

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