New puppy in the family? How exciting! To make the preparations easier, we answer the 7 most common questions about what you need to think about before the puppy comes home. Think of it as a little checklist for a wonderful and safe first time!
1. What do you need for a puppy?
No panic, you do not need to buy a hundred things at once. Start with the basics such as a soft bed, food and water bowls, a collar, a harness, a lead and toys. Of course also a really good puppy food, treats and poop bags - take a look at our package for puppies and you are already well on your way!
2. How do I puppy-proof the home?
Remove everything dangerous that might be tempting for a little puppy to chew on, small things the dog can swallow, or heavy things the puppy can knock over. Also keep in mind that it can be good to get a gate or a barrier to be able to limit which areas the puppy may and may not be in, so that you have better oversight.
3. How do I make the first period safe and calm for the puppy?
In the beginning it is good to build up a routine, to make it easier for the puppy to settle into its new home. Create a routine around when the puppy should eat, rest and sleep so that there are not too many changes in the first period - there is a lot that is new for the puppy to get used to anyway.
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 answer these questions, and a few more, in our article about feeding puppies.
Something that is important to keep in mind is to feed the puppy a complete and balanced food for puppies. That way you ensure that the puppy gets all the nutrients it needs to grow, and to grow at a suitable pace for the puppy's size. So make sure to follow the feeding recommendations for the food you give, and to adjust the food to the puppy's body condition.
Our puppy food is a complete & balanced food adapted to the puppy's nutritional needs.
5. When will the puppy be house-trained?
House-training can make many new dog owners feel unsure, but it is easier to house-train the puppy with good training and clear routines, and as usual lots of patience. In the article tips for house-training your puppy we share our best advice - but spoiler warning: there are no shortcuts.
6. When do puppies lose their teeth?
Between roughly 3-6 months of age the puppy teethes. This means that the puppy's milk teeth are replaced by permanent ones, just like in human children. It is a time when it can feel like the razor-sharp teeth are absolutely everywhere, and neither slippers, rugs nor hands are left in peace. We have written an in-depth article about the puppy's teeth, with tips on how you can ease the teething period.
7. When should the puppy be vaccinated?
When you pick up your puppy, it should have received its first vaccination at 8 weeks of age from the breeder. About 4 weeks later, when the puppy is 12 weeks, it should get its second vaccination. It is good to have found out in advance where your nearest veterinary clinics are and their phone numbers. Make sure to book enough time for your first visit, so that you can make the experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible for your puppy.
8. One final tip...
Something you must have plenty of in the beginning 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!