It is in ternary form.

a (measures 1-8) + b (measures 9-16)

At the end of the b section, a Da Capo returns to a, leading to the conclusion and thus completing the ternary form.

The key is C major. Repeated notes with slurs (legato) are frequently observed, which might possibly depict the scene of the puppy that became the work's title.

Unlike the a section, the b section features a frequent presence of dominant chords, though this might be less perceptible as it is composed of single notes. Beyond simply playing the notes as written, it is suggested that instructors harmonize the section to express its brightness and harmonic function through performance, which would facilitate a deeper understanding of the piece's nature.