Dude thanks so much for giving Updog a shot! I'm glad you were able to wall jump easily. 9 minutes is a great first time, you'll be able to improve upon that easily. One of my mates who loves difficult platformers speedran it in 1:51, which not even I am able to beat.
I do like the idea of making non-violent stuff. I play a few violent games but the ones I really fall in love with are non-violent. I think there is a lot to explore outside that realm.