You've chosen your breed — what now?

Both options have pros and cons. There is no right choice — only a conscious one.

Bad breeders are unfortunately the norm, not the exception. Here is what to look for.

• ✓The breeder shows you the environment — and the mother dog
• ✓Puppies stay with the mother for at least 8 weeks (preferably 10–12)
• ✓Health tests of both parents are documented (hips, eyes, heart — depending on the breed)
• ✓You can request multiple references from previous buyers
• ✓The breeder also asks questions about you — a good breeder selects their buyers
• ✓There is a contract with a buy-back clause: if things don't work out, the breeder takes the dog back

💡 Red flag: breeders who breed multiple breeds simultaneously, don't show the mother, or want to deliver immediately without a conversation.

Buy this before the puppy arrives — not after.

• ✓Crate or dog bed in a quiet spot — this becomes the dog's safe place
• ✓Food bowl and water bowl (stainless steel lasts a lifetime)
• ✓Quality puppy food — ask the breeder which brand the puppy is used to, switch gradually
• ✓Collar + identification tag with your phone number
• ✓Lead (no retractable for puppies — teach them to walk correctly)
• ✓Chew items — puppies chew, give them something good to chew on
• ✓Vet found and first appointment planned
• ✓Hazards removed: cables, plants, cleaning products

The first week is overwhelming for the puppy. Everything is new: the smells, the sounds, the people. Don't expect a relaxed dog straight away.

Crying nights are normal. The puppy misses its littermates and mother. A ticking clock next to the crate (mimicking the mother's heartbeat) or a worn item of clothing from the breeder can help.

Introduce one thing at a time. No busy visits or long outings in the first days. Let the puppy discover its new home at its own pace.

Start house training immediately. Every two hours outside, always after eating and after a nap. Reward calmly and directly when they go to the toilet outside. Never punish — it is counterproductive.

This is not optional — these are obligations.

• ✓Microchipping is legally required in many countries — have this done immediately if the breeder has not already done it
• ✓Register the chip with the national database — this is your responsibility as the new owner
• ✓Core vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis + leptospirosis) are usually started by the breeder — ask for the vaccination booklet
• ✓Rabies vaccination is required if you travel internationally
• ✓Take out insurance before the first vet visit — some conditions will otherwise fall under exclusions
• ✓Compare policies based on coverage, excess and maximum reimbursement per condition

Immediately. Not next week. Not when the puppy is eight weeks old.

Puppies learn from day one. Everything you allow, the dog learns is okay. Reward-based training works best with puppies: positive reinforcement, no punishment, short sessions of two to five minutes, several times a day.

Basic commands to start with immediately: name, sit, place, come. Later: off, stay, drop it. Puppy classes are not a luxury — they are an investment that pays back through a dog that is a pleasure to live with.

Socialisation is just as important as training: let the puppy have as many positive experiences as possible during the sensitive period (up to 14 weeks). Other dogs, children, bicycles, busy places, quiet spots — broad and positive.