Bringing home a new puppy, what do I need? A checklist
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- To crate or not to crate?
- Dog basket or cushion for sweat dreams
- Housetraining with puppy pads
- A collar or leash especially for your puppy
- Puppy toys for romping around
- Everything for a trip with your new traveling companion
- Puppy grooming and pampering
- Good food for a healthy start
- Clean up after your pup

The benefits of using a crate:
- When combined with a soft crate cushion, it will become a super cosy and warm den to relax in if tired.
- It's a great tool for housetraining your furry best friend, as most puppies don’t like to mess up their own place.
- It’s a safe place for your new arrival when you can't keep an eye on him or need to get out of the house.
- If your dog has had surgery, and crate rest is required, it can be helpful that your four-legged friend is already used to a crate.
Things to keep in mind when using a crate:
- Because of the limited space, it’s important to crate your dog only for short periods of time. Make sure he can move around freely before and after being in the crate.
- Crating your new canine companion for too long can lead to hyperactivity and a cry for attention.
- If your puppy is crated, he’ll have less opportunity to socialise with other dogs and people.
- Leave food and water available in the crate, especially when you’re away from home for several hours.

Crate training? This is how it’s done:
- Introduce your pup gradually to his own safe place. You can do this by crating your little friend when he’s tired, starting by leaving the door open. Then you can extend the time he spends in the crate step by step and close the door once in a while.
- Never crate your puppy as a punishment. This can lead to all kinds of behavioural problems and will certainly not benefit the crate training.
- Feed your new family member dinner and treats in the crate. This helps building a good association between your puppy and his crate.
- Puppy whining in the crate? Wait for a moment and let him out as soon as he’s quiet again.
- Crate your pup when you leave the house, but don’t let him out immediately upon your return. Also when you’re in the room you should crate your puppy from time to time.
- Do you prefer to buy a crate that’s big enough for your pooch to grow up in? An oversized crate makes it harder to housetrain your puppy. With a little creativity you can adjust the crate size to the size of your puppy e.g. by placing a wooden wall or empty feeding/drinking bowl inside.
- At first, keep the crate close to you. This will reassure your puppy. Afterwards, you can move the crate further and further away until it’s in the location you prefer.

Dog basket or cushion for sweet dreams
As an alternative or combined with a crate, a dog basket or cuddly cushion. can be the perfect spot for your pup to dream away happily. For example in a safe room. With a crate cushion you can turn your crate into a warm and cosy den.
For your new arrival a low-maintenance dog basket or cushion is the best choice. Because, let’s face it, accidents will happen. A cushion with zipper or a washable basket look as good as new after being washed. Always follow the washing instructions. Not sure what size of basket you need?
Want to offer your new canine companion the necessary freedom? Then a dog barrier can be the perfect solution. It prevents your little sweetheart from falling down the stairs, when you’re not paying attention for a second. But it’s also perfect to prevent little paws from getting into rooms where they shouldn’t and which do not have doors.
Housetraining with puppy pads
What are puppy pads and why are they so useful?

Walking accessories especially for your puppy
Puppy toys for romping around
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Everything for a trip with your new traveling companion

Grooming and pampering
Puppy shampoo
Toothbrush & dog toothpaste

Eye and ear cleaner
First-aid kit
Comb or brush
- Long-haired dogs: Comb daily
- Semi long-haired dogs: Comb every other day
- Short-haired dogs: Once or twice a week



Good food for a healthy start

Training treats are an essential part of dog training and rewarding. Your little friend will often do anything for a tasty reward. Training snacks are smaller than other treats, which makes them ideal for training, because you can give more rewards in one day. Check the packaging to see which snacks are suitable for your puppy or ask the shopkeeper for advice.