Raising a puppy can sometimes feel like living with a tiny tornado — full of energy, excitement, and plenty of unpredictability. But here’s the secret: puppies thrive on structure. A consistent schedule isn’t just for convenience, it’s the backbone of raising a confident, calm, and well-mannered dog. Think of a schedule as your puppy’s roadmap. They don’t know how the world works yet — when they’ll eat, when they’ll get to play, when they’ll nap. Without structure, it can feel overwhelming for them (and for you). But when mealtimes, potty breaks, training sessions, and rest all follow a predictable rhythm, your puppy learns to relax into the routine. Schedules also build trust. Your pup starts to believe, “My person will feed me, take me outside, and give me attention regularly.” That predictability is what creates security and reduces stress. Instead of guessing what’s next, your puppy learns what to expect — and that means fewer accidents, less whining, and more cooperation. Even better? A good routine sets the stage for training. You’ll know exactly when your puppy is alert and ready to learn, when they need downtime, and when to give them freedom. It’s not about being rigid — life happens — but having a consistent framework makes everything easier. So if you’re in the puppy stage, lean into structure. Write out your ideal daily flow and stick to it as best you can. Your puppy (and your future self!) will thank you.

Bringing a puppy home is one of the most exciting chapters you can start—but it’s also a big responsibility. Puppies aren’t blank slates; they come with instincts, energy, and curiosity that need to be guided with consistency and structure. Here are a few things I encourage every new puppy parent to prepare for: 1. Think Routine, Not Random Dogs thrive on predictability. Set clear mealtimes, potty breaks, and play sessions right from day one. It helps your puppy settle faster and gives them a sense of security. 2. Crate Training is Kindness I treat the crate as a bedroom, not a punishment. It gives your pup a safe space to rest and helps with potty training, structure, and overall peace in your household. 3. Outdoor Time is Essential Puppies need more than a quick yard trip. They need walks, fresh air, and space to explore safely. I always make sure dogs get the time they need to move, sniff, and learn. 4. Start Building Boundaries Early It’s easy to let a puppy get away with things because they’re small and cute—but what feels harmless now becomes a habit later. Gentle, consistent boundaries set them up for lifelong success. 5. Invest in Your Relationship Training isn’t about perfect sits and stays; it’s about building trust and communication. The more time you spend showing your puppy how to live successfully in your world, the stronger your partnership will be. Getting ready for a puppy isn’t about buying the perfect toys or bed. It’s about creating the right environment—one where your puppy feels safe, guided, and part of your life. If you’re preparing for a puppy now, what’s the one thing you’re most excited (or nervous) about?

that I have with my girls! How do you know if your dog is really ready to go off-leash? Here’s what I look for: ✔️ 75% attention on a 6ft leash ✔️ 50% attention on a 30ft leash ✔️ A solid reaction to their name (at least a glance back) ✔️ Periodic check-ins, not glued to my side but aware of me ✔️ Reliable recall—no excuses It’s not about perfection—it’s about trust and safety. With the right training, your dog can earn that freedom, too.

The update that’s long overdue—my apologies for being so quiet this past month! It has been a whirlwind summer here at Green Paws, and the past six weeks have brought both challenges and exciting new developments. Early in the summer, I realized my sheep needed more grazing space. My original two acres were routinely mowed, which threw off my rotation plans, caused overgrazing, and even introduced parasites that have been tough to manage. The last straw came when the final bit of “clean” grass was mowed—I stood in the field and cried, then decided it was time to find better pasture. I was fortunate to lease 25 acres of unused horse pasture this August. Moving twelve sheep there without a trailer was an adventure, but with help we made it work. The fencing proved tricky—my sheep used the horse fence as a scratching post or a jump. After tramping down chest-high weeds, I set up electric fencing and prayed it would hold against both coyotes and curious deer. It didn’t take long for a deer to drag the back line a quarter mile, but thankfully the fence survived and my twelve sheep were safe. Since then, we’ve battled hoof issues from the tall grass and mystery bald spots on lambs, but daily checks and treatments seem to be helping. Shorty, one of my original ewes, developed maggot-stricken hooves—yet another challenge. Despite everything, she’s still with us, though likely retired from breeding. Meanwhile, my four mother ewes and two rams remain at the other farm to prep for October breeding. The plan is to move everyone together when we relocate to our new farm this November—a place where I can finally live with my sheep and dogs in one spot, and build out my herding training alongside Green Paws boarding and training. On the dog front, Bella has been keeping me on my toes at trials, Emma is growing beautifully into her work, and Rylee, at eleven, has happily taken up pest control duties. I’m also adding a new puppy soon—name undecided, but I couldn’t pass on the opportunity.