Raising a puppy — is there anything more fun? That little pup stepping through your front door for the first time, exploring everything and looking up at you with big eyes. Your heart melts instantly. But did you know that the choices you make when raising your puppy also have an impact on the environment? It doesn’t have to be complicated at all. With a few smart choices, you can make a difference for your pup, for other people, and for the planet. Here are 10 tips for raising a puppy to help you get off to a great start together.
1. Adopt a dog and give them a new home
Many dogs are still waiting for their forever home. Adopting a dog isn’t just a wonderful way to find your best friend — you’re also giving a pup a fresh start and rescuing them from a hopeless situation. Bo, the dog of founder Denise, came to the Netherlands through the HomelessDogs foundation. In Bo, Denise found a friend for life. Because more dogs like Bo are looking for homes, Pawness donates 10% of its profits to good causes for dogs.
Thinking about getting a new puppy or dog? Take a look at the HomelessDogs website or visit a local animal shelter. We also work together with Perro&Co, which partners with the Portuguese shelter Guadi Centro de Animais. They help with disease prevention, castration projects, and education — and find every four-legged friend a permanent home. By adopting a dog, you can be sure you’ll be raising the most grateful little pup around.
We have been partnering with Perro & Co. since 2022. They work with the Portuguese animal shelter Guadi Centro de Animais and support them with disease prevention, spay/neuter programs, and education. They also help the animals at the shelter find their forever homes. Read the full story about Perro & Co. here.
2. Never leave “number 2” behind
Your pet’s feces are one of the main causes of disease transmission.
100% composteerbare Poepzakjes
Your loyal companion’s droppings are among the most important causes of disease spread. So never leave them behind; always pick them up properly. We prefer compostable poop bags. You can easily attach the roll to the leash in a poop bag holder so you never forget it. Easy to use, no dirty hands, and toss it away afterwards.
The compostable poop bags from Pawness are perfect for this. Because they’re compostable and contain no harmful substances, you give nature a better chance. A small habit, a big impact.
3. Feed your pup responsibly
The production of dog food can place a heavy burden on the environment. That’s why it’s essential to look closely at which brands are truly committed to making a positive impact — on the environment, on animal welfare, and on people. Not sure where to start? Discuss your food choices with your vet.
If you have enough knowledge about nutrition, you can also make it yourself. That way, you know exactly which nutrients are in it and where the ingredients come from. Recent studies show that a plant-based diet is perfectly fine for your loyal companion. We’re big fans of the organic, sustainable, and plant-based food from Yarrah, Ami, and Pawr. In addition to dry food, they also offer wet food, snacks, and treats.
Recent studies also show that a plant-based diet is perfect for your four-legged friend. You can find the article published by The Guardian here.
We’re really excited about the organic, sustainable, and plant-based pet food from Yarrah, Ami, and Pawr. In addition to dry food, their product line also includes wet food, treats, and biscuits.
4. Dogs love treats — make them yourself
There’s probably not a single four-legged friend who doesn’t get excited about a tasty snack. And the great thing is: you can make them really easily at home. There are simple recipes that let you bake something delicious for your pup. Check with your vet first to make sure the ingredients are safe and healthy.
For inspiration, check out sites like Fluentwoof and Your Dog Advisor. That way, you know exactly what’s in the treat, and that’s truly good behaviour towards your pup.
More websites where you can find the best recipes:
– Fluentwoof
– Ihr Hundeberater
5. Use natural care products — The Pawness Care line.
Taking good care of your companion’s skin and coat is important. There are many care products on the market, but switching to fully natural products is the best choice for your dog and for the environment. Natural products are free from parabens, SLS, artificial colourings, synthetic fragrances, and palm oil. They do contain ingredients like botanical and essential oils that are great for skin and coat.
In addition, they contain only natural ingredients, such as botanical and essential oils.
It’s not always necessary to bathe your four-legged friend, but a quick refresh may be enough. This saves a lot of water and time, leaving you with more time for yourself. Between baths, you can use a conditioning spray to refresh and care for your puppy’s coat and skin. This spray nourishes the skin, gives the coat a beautiful shine, and removes unpleasant odors. It’s also essential to brush the coat regularly. Depending on the type of coat, you’ll need to adjust how often you do this. Some coats require more care (long, wire-haired, and curly coats) than others (short-haired coats). By brushing the coat regularly, you remove loose hair and dandruff. This keeps the skin and coat in good condition and prevents tangles and matting.
We’re big fans of the Houndztooth grooming line. This Australian brand uses 100% natural ingredients and is produced sustainably. In addition to shampoos, the grooming line also includes conditioning sprays and deodorizers. There are shampoos and sprays available for every coat type. The Houndztooth grooming line is available exclusively in Europe through our online store, and we’re super proud of that!
Even if you use natural care products, it’s a good idea to test them first on a small patch of your dog’s skin.
6. Prevent unwanted behaviour and respect nature
There’s nothing better than heading out into nature with your loyal companion. Dogs love romping around outside: jumping, running, and rolling. But during your outdoor activities, it’s important to be mindful of other animals and their habitat. Only let your pup off the leash in places where it’s permitted. Does your dog have a strong hunting instinct? Be extra careful in areas with lots of birds and ducks, especially during breeding season.
In addition to respecting nature, it’s also crucial that your pup is sociable around other dogs. You really want to prevent unwanted behaviour toward other dogs or people. Make sure your dog listens well and is socialised before letting them off the leash. That way, you can enjoy your outing together without any awkward situations.
7. Is it for you or for your pup? Choose mindfully
The range of dog products out there is enormous, which doesn’t always make it easy to make the right choice. Always ask yourself: Do I really need this when raising a puppy? Many products fall outside the standard essentials and are therefore not necessary. By only buying what your pup truly needs, you reduce your ecological pawprint.
For the essentials, always choose sustainable, natural materials. A handmade ceramic food bowl instead of plastic. Compostable poop bags made from cornstarch instead of plastic. An organic cotton blanket instead of fleece. Small choices that, together, make a big difference — for your home and the planet.
</divBO Ceramic Food Bowl – White
8. Walk more — Good for your pup, good for you
Your dog is your best companion when you feel like going for a walk. Walking briskly every day significantly improves your health. It’s also great for your pup’s development: a pup that regularly goes outside and experiences new situations learns to navigate the world around them much faster. And the best news? Walking is also good for the environment. Leave the car behind more often and walk to the supermarket, your appointment, or simply to get some fresh air.
9. Make your home puppy-proof and let your pup settle in gently
Helping a pup settle calmly into their new environment starts with a safe space. Make your home puppy-proof before picking up your pup: remove hazardous objects, cover slippery floors with a rug, and create a quiet sleeping spot. A young pup needs lots of sleep, so having their own peaceful corner is essential. Give your new pup the time to get used to their new home.
Raising your puppy starts with patience and consistency. A pup learns best through repetition and positive reinforcement. Reward good behaviour immediately; calmly ignore or redirect unwanted behaviour. That way, your pup quickly understands what’s expected and what isn’t. And yes — potty training also goes step by step. Taking your pup outside regularly — after eating, after sleeping, and after playing — helps enormously. Stay consistent, and your puppy will be house-trained before you know it.
10. Receive unconditional love
As a well-known quote goes, a dog is the only creature on earth that loves you more than it loves itself. Your loyal companion is always happy the moment you walk through the front door. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been gone for five minutes or an entire day — your puppy greets you as if you’ve just returned from a trip around the world.
You can’t help but raise your pup in the most sustainable and loving way possible. The moment you see that happy face, you know you’ve found a friend for life. Raising a puppy is the most wonderful thing there is — especially when you do it with respect for people, animals, and the planet.
By choosing sustainable, responsible products, we ensure together that they become the norm rather than the exception. Here at Pawness, this is our mission: Happiness for all pooches, their pals and the planet!
Raising a Puppy Source: Wholesome Culture
I’m Denise, the founder of Pawness. The company was born out of my love for my dog, Bo, and my search for fair, beautiful products for dogs. I believe that every choice matters: for your dog, for the planet, and for the people behind the products. Through these blogs, I help puppy parents make more conscious choices—without making it complicated.
