1 year with Peppa (Pomeranian): My experiences

Let’s start with the basics first:

1. You’ll get used to each other, get used to each other, become a team…
2. Always remain patient and calm – dogs become like their owners, be a role model

Listen along with Zoe:

First of all, your dog is affectionate as a little puppy and even later. My dwarf puppy looks at me virtually every minute, with a questioning look, what are we doing? But, it’s getting a little less.

You and your dog are always more confident together!

In the beginning she ran into my legs so often, sometimes I kicked her away slightly by mistake, that’s quite “normal” in the beginning. You have to get used to each other first! The important thing is:

Always stay patient with your dog!

Above all, it is important to go out regularly so that your dog becomes house-trained, to feed him regularly and to always have fresh water at the bowl and on the way (for more than 1 hour).

In this article, you’ll learn what to expect after the first few weeks!

Let’s start simple, with the most important, feed 2x a day.

Tip. Part 1: The first weeks with a Miniature Spitz

From a small puppy to a full-grown dwarf Spitz. Already in part 1 I took you into the (for me) new world of dogs. In part 1 it was mainly about the first days and weeks, the basic equipment for puppies and much more. Read here everything about our first weeks together:

• Midget

So small and cute, “Peppa” was as a puppy – Before.

So small and cute, she still is – After.

That’s how fast a Pomeranian grows up, or rather becomes full grown.

Dog food: Delicious, healthy and… how often?

The big, or rather small advantage of the Miniature Spitz, you need relatively little food! I always have a little dry food, wet food and of course a few (few) snacks. If you know the classic Caesar can, then it lasts about three days, with some additional dry food.

My little dog is fed twice a day, in the beginning I fed her three times a day, that was too much!

So she doesn’t do much in the evenings (topic: housetraining) I feed her 1) in the morning and 2) at noon/afternoon.

Zum! This here even more on the subject

• Dry and wet food
• 1) morning and 2) noon/afternoon
• Few snacks (if, 90% to chew)
• Important: Always provide water

Tip. Buy snacks to chew

Dogs love to chew, it’s fun for them and a distraction at the same time. That’s why I like to buy chew sticks or snacks that keep her a little busy.

• Snacks to chew
• Occupation and fun

How much does an adult dwarf spitz weigh?

Depending on whether your Pomeranian is purebred or not, the weight will differ. My little one is purebred and only weighs 2.2 kilos when full grown. So she is actually more fur than dog!

• Approximately 2.2 kilogram
• Purebred

Dry food, water, the basics.

Always good: something to chew on!

This also brings us directly to an important question, for new dog owners:

Travelling with a dog: train and plane

What about when you travel? Can your dog come with you and if so, with whom?

Can I take a Miniature Pomeranian with me on the plane?

Yes and no, sometimes you can take very small dogs on planes. But you should check beforehand if the airline allows it or not. For example, some airlines only allow assistance dogs (e.g. guide dogs).

Airline examples:

• Ryanair – no dogs allowed (only companion dogs)
• Euro Wings – Dogs allowed

Can I take a Miniature Pomeranian with me on the ICE / train?

Yes, dogs are allowed on trains, but also on long-distance trains (ICE). Theoretically, it means that you need a dog box. But so far no one has approached me. Whereas I have bought a box. However, the pullover on the seat or on the floor is often the easier alternative.

The dog is so small that really no escort has said anything yet.

• Yes, dogs are allowed on the train

Not Peppa, but cute too! With dog on the beach:

Housebroken: How long does it take?

You are a dog is really housebroken, you need to bring a lot of patience. About 6, 7 to 9 months until he or she really understands that you do not do in the apartment. Especially not on the carpet! If your carpet does get a fair amount, you’re going to need a carpet cleaning. Because it smells! Tips on that in a moment.

#reallife

That’s why it’s so important not to just buy dogs or give them away. You really have to think about it, they need a lot of time, love and attention. What that means, you learn again here Dog as a pet: Requirements.

Going outside regularly: teaching “doing outside

Often your dog needs to feed especially after meals. Therefore, it is important to feed at noon / afternoon. Then in the evening, only minimal (eg 1 snack). This way your dog does not have to go to the toilet at night and you have less dirt in the apartment.

My tips:

• Duration: 6 to 9 months
• Important: Get out 3x a day, regularly
• Times: Morning, noon/afternoon and night.

Puppy Pads: Tip for your home and carpets

Tips for flats! Buy Puppy Pads So to speak flat diapers for the floor. Kind of like paper, about 50 by 50 inches, you just lay it on the floor. The paper is absorbent.

• Diaper for the floor
• Ca 50 x 50 cm
• Absorbent

How much does carpet cleaning cost?

My whole apartment has carpets – inconvenient! Accordingly, the first few months have left their mark on the floor. Maybe you’ll find yourself in the same situation! So here are my tips to help you find a good carpet cleaning company. Because, a bit like locksmiths, what does a good, reputable carpet cleaning cost and how do you find a good company?

First: Avoid clicking on the first places in the search results. On the first places you will find 99% ads. These results are minimally marked by “ad”. Because, someone has to pay for these ads, you!

Get at least four comparative offers, so you can get the best price. Of course, the price is not everything, the quality is also important, after all, it’s your own home. For that, be sure to check out Google reviews. Compare the amount of reviews and the amount of the average rating.

If you live in the big city, question not only the few shops in the city center, question also in the suburbs or slightly outside. Here the rents are cheaper, the wages, accordingly, the costs for you are somewhat lower.

Here again all savings tips summarized:

• Do not click on ads on Google (first results)
• Price comparison: Obtain at least 4 comparative offers
• Experiences: Compare Google reviews (amount and average)
• Suburban companies, smaller towns
• Make a fixed price in advance

Walk him: How often do you have to go out?

Let’s get to walking and (importantly for me) off-leash walking.

How far does a little pygmy run?

In fact, you can’t do long, extended jogging runs with a Miniature Spitz. Usually 2, maximum 3 km are enough, then your little doggie is already pretty knocked out! I myself usually just run a little in the neighbourhood, maybe 400, 500 metres to the nearest café and back.

The easiest way to tell that your dog is exhausted is that he really doesn’t want to run anymore and lies down on the floor. From my experience you should not sneak your dog after you, if necessary carry her a few meters, until home or give him enough time, perhaps a snack and some water to recover.

Important: Don’t tug your little puppy just because he or she doesn’t want to. When they have energy, they run all by themselves.

To recap, walk:

• I run an average of 400, 500 meters
• 2-3 km distance is enough
• If your dog consistently lies down, wear him or her

So often overlooked: Small dogs

Here is a little tip, if you have your first dog! Especially in the first weeks and months, it can happen that your dog runs into your feet, you accidentally step on your dog, of course only slightly, e.g. when getting up from a chair, while you are careless.

Don’t worry, you’re getting more careful and sensitive.

At some point, you’ll automatically look at the floor before you get up from the chair. Just a little example! It’s the same with your dog, you both get to know each other better and better. Little by little you notice that you can walk further and further distances and that your dog follows you better and better.

Especially in the big city a real issue! For example, I always have a cappuccino with me, mobile phone in hand…. in the first weeks you are sometimes a little annoyed, that’s quite normal! Suddenly your dog jumps into the street, a leaf is chased after (cappuccino spilled), or even the hunt, for the next pigeon.

After 4, 5 months, you already know automatically what your dog reacts to. After 9 or 10 months at the latest, you’ll be really well attuned to each other!

Running without a leash: How to learn?

Running off leash is such an issue, especially in the big city! If you want to walk off-leash with your Miniature Spitz, be aware, even if your dog is super cute, it is and always will be a dog! Accordingly, you can trust him and her, with a little training and practice.

How does my dog learn to walk without a leash?

We started our training in the park, here we have a lot of space, green meadow and if necessary I can run behind!

Learning to walk without a leash: This is how it works

Just always make sure you keep your dog in sight and teach him or her to come towards you when you interact with her. E.g. by a whistle or a certain command, I always say “Peppa (her name), come”.

Also, always make sure you are the alpha dog:

Your dog follows you, not you the dog – stay consistent

Sometimes you just have to run 20, 30 meters ahead, your dog will follow you almost automatically. If not, immediately give “command” and make sure that “something happens”. Either your dog comes or you go, take her with you (on a collar, leash or by talking to her). The important thing is: your dog follows.

The more often he or she does this, the greater the learning success and automaticity.

Repetition and attention for learning success

Running without a leash is like us: when we learn the guitar, a new language or a new sport. The more training, the more proficient we are! So if you run off-leash regularly, even for a few stretches, your dog will get used to it. Accordingly, your teamwork will become more and more harmonious.

Maybe as a tip, I never work with treats. Dogs are pack animals and accordingly you should be a strong and good “role model”. Then everything works, even without treats.

But treats can help with training, e.g. for sit, down and so on. But I’ll show you in a moment how your dog learns commands like “fetch” and “search” quickly, even without a single treat.

This is the fastest way for your dog to learn to walk off leash:

• Search for open space, ideally in park or similar (few dangers)
• Walk slowly in front, looking mostly in the direction of the target
• Moving forward consistently
• Stay alert when dog calls 2, 3 meters away
• Unify calls: I whistle (softly) and have the command “Peppa come”

Toys: What does a Miniature Spitz need?

Just like with snacks, I keep it the same with toys, less is more! In fact, my dog has only 2, 3 (of 6) toys that she likes to play with. My little tip, it’s best to go directly to the pet store and see what your dog reacts to. So you can directly find a good toy that your dwarf dog will enjoy.

It is much more important that you spend time with your dog! Go out into the countryside, onto the meadow, if possible into the park and into the forest. That’s what your dog enjoys the most!

• Maximum 5 toys
• Rather: spend time with the dog, go to the countryside

Playing with leaves, with sticks, with other dogs, all better than another “plastic piece” in the apartment.

Learn commands: Fetch, Bring, Search, Sit!

A good start, are always simple things. PS: Super handy is “Search”, that saves you time too!

One of the first commands Peppa learned was “fetch” and “bring.”

“Learn “Get” and “Bring

1 command would be enough, I just always call both. Typical example: fetching sticks. Works great in the city apartment too though. Just work with the favorite toy. Communication is the key. Always think simple and with enough repetition. If you want to teach your dog these commands.

“Learn to “fetch” and “bring”, checklist in 5 steps:

1. 1. Take a toy that your dog knows (term) and likes
   2. Just throw the toy away, e.g. in the apartment, 4, 5 meters in the hallway
   3. Say “fetch” or “bring” with several repetitions.
   4. Look at the toy again and again at the same time

…

• After 5-10 seconds you run to the toy

Repeat this a few times. Your dog will eventually understand what to do.

So, if you repeat this exercise a few times, eventually a dog will run, get his toy and bring it back to you. After that, as a reward, just clap your hands (for example) and praise your dog by name.

Learn “Search”

It’s the same with “search”, it worked for me right after the third time. Her favorite toy is a bone. Accordingly, I simply said “Find the bone”, “Find the bone”!

Tip. “Search” is mega handy + also saves you time

Super handy because now I can also just say “find the bone” if I don’t know where it is, she’ll take me there!

“Learn to search” checklist in 4 steps:

1. 1. Take a toy that your dog knows (term) and likes
   2. Tell your dog, “Find the bone” (or what he, she knows).
   3. Repeat the command several times

…

• Again after 5-10 seconds, you run and go to the toy

For me it worked directly the third time! I even thought she wanted to feed, because she ran into the kitchen, but the bone was on the table! Therefore, super practical.

This is followed, as always, by a nice gesture, e.g. just clap your hands and praise your dog. As almost always, I work without snacks.

Much better than eating a lot, just to the all-natural play instinct!

Learn “Place”

A small, dear bribe, in the form of a treat, but there was when learning “place”. As always, it is important to stand quietly in front of your dog or kneel down and repeat the command several times. You can also gently help and push the butt down a bit so your dog understands what you want him to do. Through the snack he or she learns very quickly that it is worthwhile to perform this action.

“Learn to “sit” (with treats), checklist in 3 steps:

• Prepare snack, take in hand
• Saying place several times (repetition is always important)
• The first time slightly help, Po Samst press down
• Stay consistent, only with place there are treats

Tip. Also make sure that your dog remains seated while he or she gets the treat. This way your dog learns to be calm and not to jump frantically back and forth as soon as food is available.

Dog groomer: fur, fur, fur!

For fur care & Co., I have for you once again extra guide, with tips from the pros, my dog groomer. Tip! I never cut the fur of my Pomeranian super short. It looks cute, but fur is there for a reason and we shouldn’t think of it as a “hairstyle”. That’s why we pretty much only have “tip trims”. Read more here:

• Dog groomer
• Dog fur and breeds

Part 1: The first weeks with Zwergspitz

From a small puppy to a full-grown dwarf Spitz. Already in part 1 I took you into the (for me) new world of dogs. In part 1 it was mainly about the first days and weeks, the basic equipment for puppies and much more. Read here everything about our first weeks together:

• Dwarf spitz puppies

Food for puppies: dry & wet food

Food for puppies – number 1 is food, especially for puppies. Later your dog gets food 3 times a day. In the morning, at noon and in the evening. Regularly, so that surely the little one gets used to the times and knows that there is food regularly.

Here directly a tip: Do not spoil your dog too much! That is, buy simple food, dry food (brackets) and wet food (food in cans) and do not change too often with “specialties”. If your dog only gets used to “delicacies” and constantly changing “delicacies”, he or she will quickly become picky. That is, keep it simple! Your dog needs you, your attention, love and care, not a 5-star menu.

Listen to Ella’s experience as a podcast here:

Wet food: morning and evening

In the morning and evening, give your puppy wet food, usually canned. Most dogs get meat, but vegetarian alternatives are also important.

• Wet food in the morning and evening
• Chicken, lamb, beef …
• Dry / wet food with vegetable content

For beginners, this is what wet food looks like in the bowl:

Dry food: noon

At noon you give your little puppy dry food, i.e. brackets. You mix the dry food with a little water. Similar to cooking rice, about 50:50, so the little brackets will be a little softer. This is important because your little puppy still has milk teeth.

• Lunchtime dry food
• Mix with 50% water

Bowl: food and water

Bowl – For food and for water your puppy needs two small bowls. The water bowl should always be well filled and constantly filled, so your dog can drink whenever he or she wants. Clean the bowls daily so that germs do not build up. Especially when your dog is young, you should make sure the environment is relatively clean. Again, though, it’s important to keep it simple. You don’t need a hygiene spray or anything else. After all, your dog will quickly get to know the first meadow near you and anyway constantly come into contact with the environment. The bowls you simply clean with water, so that they are clean and without residues when there is new food.

You need for your puppy:

1. Bowl for water
2. Bowl for food

What about treats?

What about treats? Again, the rule is, don’t spoil your dog. When you first buy treats, use them sparingly. Maybe only 3, 4 a day and only 1 at a time. Whenever your dog does something that you can reward. For example, when he pees on the absorbent mat (we’ll get to that in a minute), when he walks a few feet with you, or when he or she puts on the collar without complaining.

Tip: Don’t just buy small treats that your puppy will eat right away. There are also great snacks to chew on that will take your dog a long time, that he and she will have a lot of fun with, and that won’t fill him up so much. With the Pomeranian, chewing on a snack like this will last for days:

Dog insurance: illness and liability

You buy your first puppy and have no experience with dogs? Then you should think about one thing above all: insurance for your little four-legged friend. Just as you need health insurance in case something goes wrong, you should also have provisions for your dog. There are many good providers for this – read more here.

My tips, experience and recommendation:

• Insurance dog

Leash, collar and harness

Leash – number 3 in your basic equipment for the little puppy, is a leash with a collar or harness. Dogs react very differently to being put on a collar and/or harness in the first few days. Your leash should be relatively short for the first few weeks so that your dog is always in your control circle. Depending on where you live, rural or big city, there are different sources of danger. Puppies are active and want to learn about the world. If they are always near you, say a maximum of 3 meters in radius, you can see all the dangers, for example, even broken glass on the floor.

Get your puppy used to the collar right away

Work from day 1 with a collar and leash, so your puppy gets used to wearing it right from the start. So you have less difficulties later. Your puppy will, as a rule, wear a collar or harness from early to later. The sooner you get your puppy used to it, the better.

Tip: Work with harnesses as early as possible. Especially the region around the neck is delicate, especially with Pomeranians (Miniature Spitz). Collars are directly on the important vertebrae and a sudden, strong jerk on the leash can already cause injuries. So try to get your puppy used to a harness as early as possible.

• Collar in the first days and / or
• Dog harness as early as possible
• Short leash with maximum 3 meters

Harness: safety and stability

As you can see here in the picture, a dog harness provides even more protection for your pup:

Blanket and sleeping place (short)

Very important, of course, is a retreat, or the sleeping place for your puppy. It must be comfortable, safe and warm. But it does not have to be a big, special box or a dog basket, in fact is enough from experience a simple blanket, or what is also very nice, fur! Fur (artificial, of course) is especially nice if you have a small dwarf spitz, which is very fluffy in the first weeks, it looks especially cute. At the same time fur keeps nice and warm and provides a cozy base, whether carpet, stone or tile.

For the first ride, from the breeder to home, you should have at least a fluffy blanket.

Your puppy will most likely be separated from its mommy for the very first time today, most likely from its siblings as well. In addition, your dog may also be leaving the apartment and / or its own house and garden for the very first time. Your puppy is also for the very first time, for a longer time outside, especially if the way to the breeder is further.

So you should directly offer a cozy, warm feeling, a new home.

Toys (chewing and distraction)

Once you’re home with your pup, he or she will most likely be sleeping!

But as soon as they wake up, they want to be kept busy. That’s why you should have two or three small toys for your puppy at home right from the start. Again, I recommend simple toys, nothing too elaborate, not too much plastic.

Sticks from park & forest, instead of much plastic

You’ll be amazed how much dogs love simple sticks, for example, from the meadow (city) or from the forest if you live in the countryside.

No invented toy can compete with good sticks! The very most important thing for puppies, they want something to chew on. Something like a small rope, maybe a small plush toy. That’s enough, for the first days and weeks.

So you don’t need a lot of toys at all to make a dog happy, usually 2, 3, 4 toys are enough in the first few weeks.

The important thing in the first days and weeks anyway is that you (!) take time for the puppy!

Briefly summarized

• 2-4 toys for the start
• Later 5, 6 small toys are enough
• Puppy friendly, simple and chewable

Play, eat, sleep and routine: teamwork

Tip. It is also a good idea to take a few days off. This way you can get in tune with each other, from the morning routine, through the day and into the evening.

After only 7 to 10 days, you will get more and more used to each other as a team. For example, you will develop more and more a sense of when your little puppy wants to go to the toilet. Your puppy knows when to eat. You will see how your puppy sleeps and when he or she is active. The better you develop your Team Work already in the first days, the faster and easier it will be the further weeks, months and years!

And very important, for the first few weeks, is this:

Puppy Pads: absorbent pads for puppies

I myself have only heard of Puppy Pads in the pet supply store, from a friend. She said …

This is the ultimate insider tip for all puppies!

She was so right!

Puppy Pads are simple, absorbent mats that you can lay out (1x) at your home. When your dog pees on them, he will smell his pee the next time and will most likely use the same spot for his business.

The pads come in packs of 10 each and they last a few days. On the top they are absorbent for puppy urine, also for poop piles and on the bottom they are leak proof. Perfect for any type of home, from an apartment in the city to a detached house with a garden in the countryside.

What is at night? Dog gate

Puppies do in the apartment, be sure of it. Also, never be angry, just ignore it, do not pay attention to it. If you go out regularly with your puppies, or let him or her in the garden, they will automatically do little by little, outside their own home, their own retreat.

During the day you can accompany your puppy well in the, as soon as it becomes night and you sleep, there are only 2 options:

1. Absolute freedom
2. Tip. Cage or dog guard

Why? If you give your puppy freedom, you have the disadvantage that in the morning small mishaps will be distributed in the apartment / house. The advantage of the cage for the night or the small enclosure with fence, your puppy is always close and makes fast, no longer in the immediate vicinity. So a dog gate gives protection and helps to get used to times to pee.

So if you have a particularly active puppy, or you prefer to be a little more cautious than indulgent yourself, consider buying a grid for the evening. Many buy a grid for the first few weeks, especially at night, where the puppy spends time until morning. This has several advantages, one is you control where your puppy moves when you sleep. Also, as described, dogs don’t like to do their business nearby, so they also get used to holding out until morning.

I like fluffy fur and freedom

My little Pomeranian has, as described, only a fluffy fur to lie and that is absolutely enough. However, you have to live with the fact that you will find some traces of the night in the morning. So no poop and wet spots.

However, your little puppy will gradually get used to doing outside if you walk regularly. Puppy Pads, absorbent mats that you lay out, also help. Due to the fact that dogs look for places that have been marked before, there is a good chance that your dog will make to this mat more often.

Here’s what I do about that:

• Going out regularly, at least 3-5 times a day, depending on the weather conditions.
• Puppy pads for the business at home
• Tip. Dog toilet with meadow

Dog toilet with meadow

My little last secret tip for those who buy a puppy for the first time! There are toilets with artificial grass. On the one hand, it looks fancy, almost like a square, flat flower pot with freshly cut grass. On the other hand, it is like meadow for the puppy and accordingly your puppy likes to do his business here. Super practical. Likewise for cleaning. Once with the water hose or shower over it and it is ready for use again.

Very important here, you will also learn in the article, the first days with your puppy.

If your little puppy ever makes mistakes and pees or poops on the carpet, never be angry or yell.

After all, they are puppies, they can not yet control themselves as adult dogs. It’s exactly the same with us humans.

You should always stay calm so that your puppy gets used to peeing and pooping near you. This will also be important later when you walk your puppy. Little mishaps happen, just make them go away and don’t pay much attention to it.

Checklist: 6 things you must have on day 1!

These were my tips, from my experiences, for your puppy.

From the set up food for your puppy, wet food for eating in the morning and evening, at noon there is dry food (mixed with water). You have a bowl for food, one for water. With a leash and collar or harness you can go out with your puppy for the first time and for the night everything is safe at the sleeping place. For small mishaps, you have puppy pads.

Basic equipment for your dog:

1. Lining (dry and wet)
2. Bowl (food and water)
3. Leash, collar and harness
4. Blanket (sleeping place)
5. Toys (chewing and distraction)
6. Puppy Pads

Puppy moves in! Your first week

Buying puppies – What accessories do you need for your puppy around leash, bowl, sleeping place and food? Every year millions of little puppies are born and find a new home! Also with us there is now one, respectively two little puppies: Neppa & Peppa.

Walk the dog, stay alone & Co.

Thinking about getting a dog? If you have time to spare and love, then a little puppy is something wonderful. But, what do you have to consider?! Learn here about the everyday life with a little puppy: My first day with Peppa (Dwarf Spitz, or Pomeranian puppy), my first week and my experiences. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, here are the ultimate tips for the first week with your puppy and a few insider tips, like puppy pads, tips for walking and staying alone – all in the first week!

• Puppy moves in! Week 1

Dog as a pet: XXL Guide

Dog moves in! You have decided to get a dog, as a single, with your partner or even the whole family and you are thinking about getting a dog? There are millions of dogs in this country. They are among the most popular pets. Dogs breeds such as Labrador, French Bulldog, Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Pomeranian or Chihuahuas. How much does a dog cost? What does a dog like best? How does the dog realize that you love him? Many questions, here you will find the answers. From dog grooming and the first coat, to dog food (wet and dry), organic alternatives, but also tips on initial equipment, around leash, bowl & Co.

• Pet dog

Pet supplies: specialized trade in Cologne

Whether small mini dog breeds under 30 centimeters such as dachshund, Jack Russell Terrier, pug or even dwarf spitz or even large dogs such as Doberman, St. Bernard, Bernese mountain dog or boxer. The A&O, as with us humans, good food and enough water. That is half the battle to be happy. If you then have a warm, cuddly place to sleep, life is almost perfect.

Food, leash, treats – specialized trade

Just as you take care of yourself, you must now take care of your puppy! As already described in the guide puppy, the very first way before buying your puppy, leads you to a specialty store for pet supplies for your puppy initial equipment.

First of all you need food (dry and wet food), of course with a bowl (for food and water). In addition, a leash, collar and harness and a blanket for a cozy place to sleep. On top comes a little toy for chewing and distraction, as well as treats for reward. Then the insider tip for beginners: Puppy Pads!

Pet supplies: Tierliebeland

In Tierliebeland you can find everything for dogs and cats. The advantage: The shop is located in the city centre. So you can not only shop for yourself, but also make a little detour to Tierliebeland. The owner-operated shop has everything for dogs and cats, as well as a dog groomer. So you can kill 3 birds with one stone: haircut, food and accessories.

Why Tierliebeland? Be there once! In small talk, you’ll quickly see that there’s more here than just “selling products”. Every puppy is special and the more importantly, food has a huge impact on their well being. Just think about yourself! Frozen pizza or freshly cooked? Even for puppies there are big differences between industrial product and … but go yourself and get inspired for your, little puppy!

On Google, Tierliebeland has a full 5 / 5 stars, with almost 100 reviews, a really good address for your pup!

Google Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 Stars

Address and directions:

• Limburger Str. 39 in 50672 Cologne
• Phone: +49 (0) 221 986 509 26

Dog groomer: short and long hair with love

You probably know this topic yourself: How do you find a good groomer you can trust? Hairdressers are a dime a dozen, but as a dog owner you quickly learn that good dog hairdressers are rare. Even in big cities like Cologne and Berlin. Now there is another special feature: You have bought a puppy! Accordingly, you have few hairdressers and even fewer who approach the job with the right love and do not see dogs as a “product”, 4, 5 a day hairdressing. Therefore, we also have a recommendation for you here, which you and your puppy will love!

Taster day for puppies – get to know the dog salon

First of all, your puppy will not be coiffed immediately at a good groomer. The very first day is a little trial day for your puppy.

In this first taster day, your puppy will get to know the dog salon. Starting with the premises, to the hairdresser himself or herself, to a few of the tools: comb, scissors and hair dryer. Hairdressing is not done on a large scale, the baby fur is:

1. Removed from undercoat
2. Easily coiffed

After about 30 minutes and some small talk before and after, your dog has had his first appointment at the groomer! By the second visit, your pup knows the salon, the team, and the tools. This is the perfect way to prepare your pup for regular visits.

How often do you need to go to the groomer?

My little Pomeranian (Miniature Spitz) has to go to the groomer about every 6 weeks. I myself would even be willing to go 1x month, because so her fur is always neat and the hairstyle sits. Once a month wellness is ok or? Here is our recommendation for you in Cologne!

Dog groomer recommendation: Fellgeflüster

Why fur whisper? When I go to the groomer, I always tell him “go for it, you’re the professional!”. Just like I trust my hairdresser, I want to trust the hairdresser for my puppy. First, because little Peppa (that’s my Pomeranian’s name) is doing well and second, because I see the groomer 24/7!

Not only we love this salon, also on Google Fellgeflüster has whole 5 / 5 stars!

Google Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 Stars

Address and directions:

• Wichheimer Str. 145 in 51067 Cologne
• Phone: +49 (0) 176 539 055 25

Finding a Vet: Experiences and recommendations

For doctors I don’t want to give you a direct recommendation, after all all doctors are great and do their best.

I will recommend this to you though: If you’re looking for a vet, it’s best to ask dog owners you see in your area. They’ve had a dog for a while and already have a vet that’s good. So instead of just relying on search results, ask people in your area who have experience! If you don’t know anyone directly or need a vet right now, make sure the vet is “not a big chain”.

On our first visit to the vet, we were in a veterinary clinic and had to wait a whole 3 hours. Why? We relied directly on the search results. Two days later, we got a top recommendation from our groomer. Now we are with a lovely vet who works alone and takes care of each animal individually instead of making mass appointments.

Tips for good veterinarians:

1. Ask dog owners in your area for their experience or recommendation.
2. If searching via the internet: make sure it’s not a big clinic. Rather a “small” doctor, with few, but good reviews.

At the vet you do all the standards, from chip (to recognize dogs) to the various vaccinations and also neutering.

Dog Trainer

Our next step with Neppa & Peppa, a good training for some standards. Starting with walking off leash, classics like man up and many, more little things you can train with your puppy.

Currently it’s still a little too cold, but next month it’s on!

Our first training, coming soon here!

Dog food: The big test

I currently feed my puppy three times a day, morning, noon and night. Between the meals there are then of course still small snacks! Especially small dogs are very active in the first months and years! They like to play, they like to bark. We have two puppies at the same time, brother and sister, accordingly they are the whole day at the romp and also hungry, at noon, in the evening and in the morning.

Variety is a must! Nobody wants to eat the same thing every day, not even your dog.

Dog food: regular feeding besides snacks

Before we get to the snacks, here’s a little look at what my little pup likes best!

Dogs love anything from the animal – If you’re going to buy your first puppy, be sure, dogs love pretty much anything with and from animals; no matter what you think. Even if you’re a vegetarian yourself, dogs love dried ears (yes), feet, little wound up skewers, pretty much any scraps left over from the animal.

Wet food or dry food?

I try to feed wet food in the morning and evening and at lunchtime they have a bowl of dry food. But when it comes to wet food they also like small carrots, peas, sbe4 but noodles and of course rice in the meals.

Besides your regular feedings, there are of course little treats.

Snacks and treats: recommendations

I like treats best that my puppy can chew on for a long time, for example chew sticks. Because, now it’s not just about food, it’s also about activity. Trust me:

Dogs love to chew. It calms them down!

On a single chicken foot, my little dog can nibble for up to five, six hours. Sometimes she nibbles for two hours at a stretch without a break.

In general, I make sure that my dog doesn’t get too many snacks, in addition to her regular meals. I don’t want her to get used to having food all the time. Sometimes I give her treats because she did something great or to cheer her up in between meals. But usually I give a maximum of five small snacks (mini-snacks) and maybe two bigger ones (chew sticks) in between. That is easily enough for my little Pomeranian!

How many snacks and treats your dog can tolerate should depend on your dog and his personality. Are you out and about a lot? Is your dog big or small? Have more questions? Read all about it here:

• Buy puppy
• Puppy basic equipment

Now let’s get to my big snack test!

Snack test: These treats give my dog

As you’ve read, I’ve bought the pet supply store down my street before. That’s why I sometimes go on the search for new little snack ideas for my dog during my lunch break. I want to share a few treats that she particularly enjoyed with you here.

Organic dog food?! Yarrah ordered & tested

Summer is starting and by now my dog has had his fill of the supplies from the supermarket and pet supply store. So I need some new treats and snacks in my cupboard. This week I took a look at Yarrah. They’ve been producing Organic-Organic since 1992, what’s the advantage of organic products? The manufacturer produces pure organic certified food. That means no chemical fragrances, colors, flavors, pesticides, or GMOs (genetic engineering).

Everyone loves organic, but does my dog? Food for your dog has effects on the coat, but also on digestion, well-being and energy, whether puppy or older dog. Organic is an important topic for many, it’s about farming methods and animal welfare. But it is also about taste and a better feeling when buying. That’s why, for example, I also like to go for organic products at a fair price.

Now the question: Are there also good organic alternatives for dog food and snacks? With this question, I came to Yarrah. Yarrah is the largest supplier of organic dog food. Summer is starting and by now my dog has had enough of the supplies from the supermarket and pet supply store. So I need some new treats and snacks for my dog, in my pantry. This week I ordered from Yarrah for the first time, and everything arrived today. What can organic from Yarrah do? Our little taste test!

• Organic dog food from Yarrah

Buying your first dog: XXL Guide

Great snacks, a fair price and organic production since 1992. The delivery was fast. All in all: 4.7 / 5.0 from our tester! Plus, the good feeling and purely organic certified, so without chemical fragrances, colors, flavors, pesticides and GMOs (genetic engineering). Read more about Yarrah here and find these and new snacks for your dog online:

• Yarrah organic food

Your first puppy: guidebook

Buying puppies – What accessories do you need for your puppy around leash, bowl, sleeping place and food? Every year millions of little puppies are born and find a new home! Also with us there is now one or two little puppies: Neppa & Peppa. You are thinking about getting a dog? If you have time to spare and love, then a little puppy is something wonderful. But, what do you have to consider?! Learn here about the daily life with a little puppy: My first day with Peppa (Dwarf Spitz, or Pomeranian puppy), my first week and my experiences. If you’re thinking of getting a dog, here are the ultimate tips for the first week with your puppy and a few insider tips, like puppy pads, tips for walking and staying alone – all in the first week!

• Your first puppy: guidebook

Basic equipment for your puppy

Buying Puppies: Basic Supplies for Your Dog – No matter what breed of dog or type of mixed breed, there are exactly 6 things you need when buying your first dog or puppy! So to speak, the basic equipment for your puppy and the first days together in the house or apartment. With this checklist, you have everything important! The right food for puppies, two bowls for food and water, a leash with collar and / or harness (safer), toys and very important, especially if you have no garden or live on the first floor: Puppy Pads! Learn all the essentials here, with tips for times to eat and other interesting checklists for beginners and novices. Simply explained and free! Here’s the nuts and bolts for the first trip, from breeder to home, and the first few days with your puppy, from my experience.

• Puppies basic equipment

Pomeranian! Pomeranians as a pet

You want to buy your first puppy? Maybe even a small Pomeranian for you or your family? Then you surely have many questions! Here you will find the answers, among others to questions like “how much does a Pomeranian cost?”, “what do you have to look out for in a Dwarf Pomeranian?”, “how much does a Pomeranian shed?” and “how do you groom a Pomeranian?”. – First of all: Pomeranians are really cute as a button. Grown up they are only 25-30 inches tall and as a puppy, barely a handful of dog. Walking, peeing, Pomeranian care, our little guide to your first puppies!

• Pomeranian! Pomeranian