After a week’s vacation The Puppy Diaries has returned to the New York Times, and not a moment too soon! Apparently while I was checking the Times’ web site every day, looking for the latest entry, Jill was out socializing her puppy! The nerve!
This is another great entry in the series with more great advice for anyone with a new puppy or that is planning on getting one. Proper socialization is critical for a puppy and Jill has definitely gotten some great advice. I sense Diane’s influence here, in addition to Marc Bekoff’s, who Jill quotes in the article.
I absolutely love that Jill has gone out and found proper playmates for Scout. She has taken the time to get to know some of the people and dogs in the neighborhood and is participating in regular play sessions. This is a wonderful alternative to dog parks with unknown quantities coming and going. Find well-behaved dogs, arrange for regular playtimes and pay attention to the play sessions. It’s clear from Jill’s descriptions of the sessions that she is doing just that.
Marc Bekoff is quoted discussing the importance of play in development, and Jill cites an excellent book of his. I’m a huge fan of play, and seeing it featured prominently in a visible platform like the Times is a big thrill for me.
Most important, it’s clear the Scout and the Abramson’s are having a great time! Isn’t that the point?
This is turning into a truly enjoyable series for me.
[...] The Puppy Diaries Part 5, from the NY Times | Dog Spelled Forward http://www.dogspelledforward.com/puppy-diaries-5-can-scout-come-out-to-play – view page – cached Socialization and play are critical in the development of a puppy. Jill Abramson discusses the measures she is taking with Scout. — From the page [...]