by Melva P.
Welcome to the Pack!
My favorite new saying became, “Never have I ever.”
Never have I ever experienced how fast an 8-week-old puppy could learn—or how much she would teach me.
From the first day home, our Native American Indian Dog (NAID) was eager, brilliant, and extremely expressive. She mastered “sit” and “down” right away… and then let me know she was unimpressed. So I got creative—teaching “bang-bang,” “roll over,” and “bear crawl” to keep her engaged. She was soaking it up faster than I could dish it out, and I quickly learned that mental stimulation isn’t optional—it’s essential.
We hit record-breaking snowfall that winter, so outdoor time was limited. Instead, we filled her days with puzzle feeders, ball games, chew toys, and stuffed animals for nesting. Even now, those are part of our daily rotation. These dogs crave enrichment—and giving it to them is part of the magic.
Shedding & Allergies: A Pleasant Surprise
Our entire household is allergic to animal dander, and yes—she does shed.
But to our surprise, none of us have had any allergic reactions. Whether it’s her coat type or just our good fortune, she’s been easy to live with. I brush her weekly using a pet grooming vacuum. Simple and effective!
Health Tips: Vaccines, Walks & Safety
Our vet gave us a clear guideline:
No public outings until all vaccines are complete. Only quick potty breaks in a safe, private area.
Once vaccinated, walks are important—but should be limited based on age:
5 minutes per month of age, twice a day.
So at 4 months = 20 minutes.
5 months = 25 minutes, and so on.
Heat safety tip: NAIDs have a thick double coat. In warmer climates, walks should be early or late in the day. At just 77°F, asphalt can reach 125°F—hot enough to burn paws in under 60 seconds. A cooling vest is a great investment if you live in a hot area.
Growth, Diet & Potty Area Hygiene
NAIDs grow fast. That means diet matters!
Update your feeding guidelines regularly, and ensure your puppy is drinking plenty of water. Also, check in with your vet for location-specific health precautions—like parasite prevention and avoiding toxic local plants.
Keep your potty area clean, and watch out for areas that are frequented by other dogs, such as dog parks and rest areas. Puppies can be exposed to parvovirus, giardia, and other parasites through contaminated surfaces. Prevention really is the best medicine.
Training & Daily Maintenance
We eventually chose Tracy from Three Little Pits as our trainer. Her experience with rescue dogs—especially those with trauma—was a perfect fit. One of her claims to fame? Rehabilitating one of Michael Vick’s abused pit bulls using only positive reinforcement.
In our first session, she emphasized:
NAIDs are problem-solvers. They need a job and love to earn their rewards.
So we started using puzzle bowls for meals. It turns feeding into a fun, brain-engaging task. Win-win.
NAIDs also have a strong prey drive—so early leash training is a must. We use the K9 Bridle gentle head harness, which gives great control without hurting or frustrating the dog. Tracy approved. So did my knees (walking on icy roads isn’t for the faint of heart!).
We were already using clicker training, and Tracy encouraged us to keep going. Her favorite reward? Freeze-dried raw treats.
“A treat is a paycheck for a job well done,” she says.
And she’s right. It’s working for us.
If you’re still waiting on your pup to come home, now’s the time to read up on crate training, leash work, and positive reinforcement methods. These dogs don’t just want to learn—they need to. And they’ll thrive when you show them how.
The NAID Warranty
There’s one guarantee I can offer you with full confidence:
A NAID’s love is 100% pure. It’s trusting, intense, and unwavering.
When raised with structure and affection, these dogs form bonds that are breathtaking. There’s something ancient and sacred in the way they love. It’s humbling.
They are intelligent. They are intuitive. And they are beautiful, inside and out.
Therein lies the fascination—the reason we long for one.
Because when you share your life with a NAID, you don’t just get a dog.
You gain a friend of the soul.
