Chaos & Cuteness Incoming: This Portland Dog Trainer is Getting a New Puppy!
It’s (mostly) official. This seasoned Portland dog trainer, who has helped more puppies than I can count to become model canine good citizens, am about to get another puppy of my own. Again. And yes, I’m equal parts excited and terrified.
First. This is going to be a puppy for Eamon, who tragically lost his best friend last year. We have waited and feel this is the right time for him to have a new best buddy. We will be getting another Miniature American Shepherd from Rebel Souls Minis. The pressure felt by this mama, of selecting not only the PERFECT puppy (spoiler: doesn’t exist) for my kid, that will bond with him the way our previous Peach did, BUT without feeling like a replacement, so to speak… is high.
So, if you’re a dog lover in Beaverton (hey neighbor!) or a woman with a packed calendar, a Pinterest board full of puppy cute and a vague sense of “wtf, can I even do this right now??” - Welcome! Come send me a message, because you’re my people and no one wants to feel alone in their worries!
The Puppy Fever is REAL.
You know. You’re minding your business, sipping your coffee, and then boom. Your breeder friend posts a litter photo. You start smelling the puppy breath, the adorable nose twitches, the soft snores, a new cuddle buddy when you’re staying up watching The Last of Us…
Of course, as a new puppy training expert, I knew better. That “dream” includes 3 am potty breaks, surprise puddles on the floor, and a teething gremlin to terrorize the kids and their favorite toys that can’t be picked up quick enough.
I’m still doing it.
Puppy Housebreaking: The Sweet and the Sour.
Let’s talk about puppy housebreaking. Because that’s what everyone really wants to know about. Will it be easy for me because I’m a dog trainer? Yes and No.
Sure, I’ve got the know how. But housebreaking isn’t about magical skills. It’s about consistency, patience, a schedule and a crap ton of paper towels and who has paper towel money these days!? Even the best trainer can’t out schedule the baby bladder.
If you’re in Beaverton or Portland and staring down a new puppy purchase (or an impulse one - we see you too!), remember this: Accidents aren’t a failure. They’re a phase. One you’ll look back on fondly… eventually. And we have a great puppy housebreaking resource for you! Just don’t ask me if I plan on taking my own advice...
Hopeful Chaos: Why It’s All Worth It
Despite knowing what’s ahead - the lost sleep, the puppy biting, the early training sessions in the rain - I’m giddy. There’s something undeniably magical about watching a young dog learn, grow and bond with you. And exceptionally joyful watching it happen with your kid.
And for my clients, especially the mamas juggling jobs, kids, errands - I get it. Adding a puppy to the mix can feel like adopting chaos with intention. But it’s a beautiful kind of chaos. The kind that pulls you outside in the morning dew when it’s quiet and smells like sunrise. That makes you laugh when your dog runs zooms around your kids and the uncontrollable giggles fill the house. That reminds you to slow down and just be…
Ready, Set, Puppy
So yes, this Portland dog trainer is gearing up. I’ve got the crate ready, treats picked out, a plan in place and zero delusions. It’s going to suck for a hot minute. My life will be messier and louder. But also. A whole lot sweeter.
If you’re considering a new puppy and you’re in Portland or Beaverton area, know this - you’re not alone. We can help. You can do this.