Bringing a new puppy home is magical — and overwhelming. Everywhere you turn, there’s advice: crate train right away, enforce 18–20 hours of sleep, limit walks to 5 minutes per month of age, socialise with everyone and everything. But what if much of this advice is outdated, misunderstood, or even harmful?

In this episode of Rewriting the Rules, Bethany Bell gently dismantles some of the biggest puppy myths and explores what raising a puppy naturally really looks like. You’ll learn:

• Why early weeks should focus on emotional grounding, not obedience drills.

• The truth about puppy sleep needs (and why enforced crate naps can backfire).

• Why over-socialisation creates overwhelm, not confidence.

• The myth of “5 minutes per month” and how to let your puppy guide their own exercise safely.

• How to use dialogue, observation, and choice to build trust and resilience.

• Why play, exploration, and gentle guidance shape a confident adult dog better than strict rules.

This episode is for anyone who wants to go beyond training checklists and raise a dog who is secure, intelligent, and deeply connected.

Bethany also shares a short poem from her book Raising Puppies Naturally, capturing the heart of puppyhood as a journey of love, trust, and dialogue.

👉 Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or an experienced dog professional, this episode will help you see puppyhood in a whole new way.

Further resources

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If you’re ready to step into something different—something kinder, wiser, and more meaningful—you’re in the right place.

Let’s raise dogs with dignity. Let’s teach through connection. Let’s begin the conversation.