Getting a puppy? Read our checklist for a smooth start
New puppy in the family? Oh, so exciting! To facilitate the preparations, we answer the 7 most common questions about what you need to think about before the puppy's arrival. Think of it as a little checklist for a wonderful and safe first time!
1. What do you need for a puppy?
Don't panic, you don't need to buy a hundred things at once. Start with the basics such as a soft bed, food and water bowls, collar, harness, leash and toys. Of course also a really good puppy food, treats and poo bags - take a look at our package for puppies and you are off to a good start!
2. How do I puppy proof at home?
Remove anything dangerous that might be tempting for a small puppy to chew on, small things that the dog might swallow, or heavy things that the puppy might topple. Also keep in mind that it can be good to get a gate or grid to be able to separate which areas the puppy can and cannot be, to have better supervision.
3. How do I make first the time safe and calm for the puppy?
At first, it is good to build a routine, to make it easier for the puppy to settle into its new home. Set up a routine around when the puppy should eat, rest and sleep so that there are not too many changes the first time - it is still a lot of new things for the puppy to get used to.
4. How much should the puppy eat?
There are many questions about feeding. Should you soak the dry food? How often should the puppy eat, and how much? We provide answers to these questions, and a few more, in our article on feeding for puppies.
Something that is important to keep in mind is to feed the puppy a complete and balanced food for puppies. This way you ensure that the puppy gets all nutrients he or she needs to grow, and grow at an appropriate rate for the puppy's size. Therefore, be sure to follow the feeding recommendations for the food you give, and to adapt the feed to the puppy's body condition.
Our puppy food is a complete & balanced diet adapted to the puppy's nutritional needs.
5. When does the puppy become house trained?
House training can make many new dog owners feel insecure, but it is easier to get the puppy house trained with good training and clear routines, and as usual, lots of patience. In the article tips to get the puppy house trained we share our best advice - but spoiler alert: there are no shortcuts.
6. When do puppies lose teeth?
Between approximately 3-6 months, the puppy is teething. This means that the puppy's baby teeth are replaced with permanent ones, just like in human children. It's a time when it can feel like those razor-sharp teeth are just about everywhere, and neither slippers, rugs, nor hands can be left alone. We have written an in-depth article about the puppy's teeth, with tips on how you can facilitate the teething period.
7. When should the puppy be vaccinated?
When you get your puppy, it should have received its first vaccination at 8 weeks of age from its breeder. About 4 weeks later, when the puppy is 12 weeks old, it should have its second vaccination. It is good to have checked in advance where your nearest veterinary clinics are and their phone numbers. Make sure you book sufficient time for your first visit, so that you can make the experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible for your puppy.
8. One last tip…
Something you must have in abundance at first is patience. Remember that it takes time, routine, love, care and consistency to raise a puppy. Be prepared that there will be challenging periods, stick to the plan and give the puppy lots of love and comfort!
