First Steps
If you are considering getting your first dog you should carefully weigh the pros and cons before making the decision. It is a long-term investment in terms of time, money and unlimited patience. If you have watched Marley & Me and still want a lab you are good to go! Estimated start-up for a pedigree dog is around 250.000 ISK including purchase of the puppy, a crate, food bowls, collars, leads, vaccinations, registration and dog permits.
When entering your home the puppy craves constant attention so take a couple of days off to house-train. Puppies tend to chew on anything and everything and be highly destructive for the first 9 months of their lives during the teeth period. Make sure to keep plenty of dog bones around the house and put your Prada shoes somewhere safe!
Use of crate is highly recommended. The crate is the dog's sanctuary and your key to sanity. Locate the crate centrally while the puppy is young rather than in an isolated corner. After the first couple of days put the puppy in its crate and leave the house for a short period. Increase the length of these periods rapidly as the puppy's confidence grows. Having a crate in the car is the safest way of transportation and keeps the interior of the car safe.
When entering your home the puppy craves constant attention so take a couple of days off to house-train. Puppies tend to chew on anything and everything and be highly destructive for the first 9 months of their lives during the teeth period. Make sure to keep plenty of dog bones around the house and put your Prada shoes somewhere safe!
Use of crate is highly recommended. The crate is the dog's sanctuary and your key to sanity. Locate the crate centrally while the puppy is young rather than in an isolated corner. After the first couple of days put the puppy in its crate and leave the house for a short period. Increase the length of these periods rapidly as the puppy's confidence grows. Having a crate in the car is the safest way of transportation and keeps the interior of the car safe.