Comparable with welcoming a baby?

It is often said that the arrival of a puppy is best compared to the arrival of a baby. Like babies, young puppies also spend most of their day sleeping. Between the ages of 8 weeks and 3 months, that's about 20 to 22 hours of sleep a day. As the pup gets older, you will notice that it needs less and less sleep.

Making everything puppy-proof

Also, before you pick up your puppy from the breeder, it is also important to get some important things for the house such as: a suitable sleeping place (crate/dog bed), safe and "puppy-proof" toys and puppy food. Also, don't forget to check which vet you want to use for medical care.

Unlike a baby, however, your little four-legged friend will immediately start exploring the house too, which is why it is very important to make the house "puppy-proof" beforehand! 

And certainly don't forget about the garden in the process. At puppy level, this means

• No wires
• No socks/slippers on the floor 
• No poisonous plants
• No valuables
• No food

Besides these practical matters, it is also important to agree on certain rules and do's and don’ts with the family before the arrival of the little four-legged friend. Dogs like clarity, structure and regularity. Being consistent from day 1 will give your pup comfort and will only strengthen the bond between you.

Countdown

Pups in Belgium can be picked up from the breeder from 8 weeks onwards. Pups that are imported from abroad (EU) have to be at least 15 weeks old before they can enter Belgium. 

If possible, try to collect your puppy from the breeder in the morning. This already gives the little four-legged friend a whole day to get used to the new environment, smells, residents, …

There are also a few things that are handy to take with you when you pick up your puppy:

• A collar or harness
• A leash
• A towel or blanket to protect your clothes
• Kitchen roll/bag in case of an accident on the way home

Driving home

Remember that for your puppy, the drive home from the breeder is already the first exciting and stressful adventure. To ensure things are as calm, positive and safe as possible, it is better to always be with 2 people when picking up a puppy. That way, one person can concentrate 100% on the traffic, while the other can hold the puppy on their lap. If this is not possible, it is best to work with a crate.

Arriving home

Finally, your little four-legged friend is home. On the day you collect your puppy, make no further plans so that you have time to slowly get to know each other. Give the puppy the space and time to discover everything on his/her own. Show him/her where his/her place to sleep is, where the water and food bowl are, and also take the pup outside right away so he/she learns where he/she has to go potty.