🐾 Expert Puppy Care Tips: From Finding a Breeder to Taking Your Companion Home

Part 1: Finding a Breeder

When it comes to bringing a puppy into your life, transparency is everything. A good breeder will have a visible, trustworthy presence — whether that’s through show results, glowing testimonials, or access to previous puppy owners willing to share their experience. They should put health, temperament, and type above all else.

It’s also important to consider the kind of environment you want your puppy raised in. If you’re looking for a dog that’s used to the hustle and bustle of family life, then a breeder raising their puppies in a busy, loving home might be the right fit for you. On the other hand, some show breeders produce excellent dogs too — but it’s worth asking a few extra questions. Is the dog part of the family, or just kept for the ring? Are there photos of the dogs living life — not just stacked in show pose, but running in the garden, curled up on the sofa, or playing with the kids?

Be wary of breeders with little social presence or limited access to their dogs. Sadly, some commercial operations hide behind the prestige of the show world, yet keep their dogs in kennels with minimal interaction. A strong, genuine breeder will happily share their world with you — the good, the muddy, and the joyful. You should be able to see where the dogs live, how they’re raised, and who they’re raised by.

Ultimately, you choose what’s right for you — but for me, it comes down to experience, transparency, and passion.

Part 2: Early Puppy Development

The first few weeks of a puppy’s life are absolutely crucial. During this time, your breeder plays a huge role in shaping the physical and emotional health of your future companion.

In the beginning, mum does everything — feeding, cleaning, cuddling, and calming. For the first three weeks, her presence is vital for warmth, nutrition, and comfort. Then slowly, things begin to change — and that’s when the fun (and the work) really starts.

At Claw & Kin, we put huge emphasis on early socialisation and breed-specific care, especially tailored to the needs of Spaniels. From a young age, our puppies are exposed to regular grooming routines — including brushing, nail handling, face touching, and standing on a grooming table — so it becomes a normal and positive experience. This is particularly important for breeds like Cockers, whose coats need regular maintenance throughout their lives.

We also focus on early recall and basic commands. Every puppy is taught to respond to their name and encouraged to follow, sit, and engage positively with people. By the time they go home, they’re familiar with their name and understand the foundations of polite behaviour.

All of our puppies also have access to an outdoor toilet area from an early age, helping them to develop good habits and understand where toileting is expected. That said — don’t expect perfection! Most puppies still have the odd accident well into 6 months of age, and consistency at home is key.

A good breeder will follow sound nutritional guidance, begin structured socialisation, and ensure that each puppy is steadily gaining weight and confidence as they grow. Here’s what that journey typically looks like:

📆 Puppy Development Timeline: Birth to 8 Weeks

Week 0–1: Newborn Stage

• Puppies are blind, deaf, and completely reliant on mum

• Main activities: nursing, sleeping, gaining weight

• Breeder's job: Monitor feeding, weigh daily, ensure warmth & clean environment

Week 2: Eyes Open, Awareness Begins

• Eyes and ears begin to open

• Puppies start to wriggle more and react to touch

• Breeder's job: Gentle daily handling begins, continue weighing, maintain clean whelping area

Week 3: Senses Awakening

• Puppies begin walking (wobbly!) and interacting with littermates

• Start responding to sounds and human voices

• Breeder's job: Introduce low-level household sounds, gentle grooming touches, and handling

Week 4: Weaning & Play Start

• Begin transitioning from milk to soft food

• Teething starts, play behaviour increases

• Breeder's job: Start weaning (4 meals a day), introduce toys and new textures, safe chew options, expanded living space with outdoor toilet area

Week 5: Socialisation Boom

• Puppies become more adventurous, start showing personality

• Begin to respond to people, toys, and routine

• Breeder's job: Introduce crate, grooming brush, handling by children, name recognition, more household noise

Week 6: Confidence Building

• Play intensifies, recall and toilet training continue

• Puppies thrive with positive human interaction

• Breeder's job: Begin name-based recall, sit command, car sounds, gentle outdoor exposure

Week 7: Independence Emerging

• Puppies are bolder and more curious

• Emotional learning is peaking

• Breeder's job: Short car rides, structured play, final grooming prep, puppy personality assessments

Week 8: Ready for New Homes

• Fully weaned, microchipped, familiar with grooming and routine

• Ready to join their new family

• Breeder's job: Vet checks complete, puppy pack ready, match puppies with the right homes based on temperament and lifestyle

These first 8 weeks truly shape your puppy’s future. It’s about so much more than feeding and cleaning — it’s about love, structure, and building solid foundations.

At Claw & Kin, our aim is simple: to raise puppies that are confident, clean, connected, and ready to be lifelong companions.

As you embark on this journey of puppy ownership, remember that every moment spent with your furry friend is a chance to create lasting memories. With the right care, training, and love, your puppy will grow into a wonderful companion. Embrace the challenges and joys of puppy care, and you will be rewarded with a loyal friend for years to come.

📦 Taking your puppy home

When you collect your puppy, you’ll receive a pack filled with everything you need to help them settle and thrive from day one.

• Feeding: We base our recommendations on the Royal Canin Puppy Plan, tailored to support your puppy’s early growth and digestion. You’ll receive full feeding guidance including quantities, routine, and tips for transition if you choose to change food later on.

• Sleep Routine: Our puppies are used to going to bed around 8:00 PM and waking up at approximately 6:00 AM by the time they are 8 weeks old. Keeping to this rhythm at first can really help with settling in.

• Crate Training: We encourage using a crate as a positive, secure space — not a punishment. If your puppy is unsettled at night, try placing the crate beside your bed to begin with. Once they’re confident and sleeping well, you can gradually move the crate to its permanent spot.

• Socialisation Goals: Your pack will include socialisation goals tailored to weeks 8–12 — including exposure to sounds, surfaces, people, travel, and other dogs. This is a critical period for emotional development, and we’ll help you make the most of it.

• Vet & Vaccination History: You’ll be provided with an official health record, including vaccination status, microchip details, worming and flea treatments, and a vet check report at the time of collection.