Life with Dogs

June 2025 •8 min read

It starts with a sniff. Maybe a hopeful paw on your knee. Or maybe you locked eyes across a litter and that was it — the smallest one, the fluffiest one, or the one who fell asleep in the water bowl. However it began, you've brought a puppy home. Congratulations. Things are about to get lively (and probably a little bit chewed).

Whether you've adopted from a rescue or chosen a pedigree pup, there's a lot to learn in these early weeks — and a lot of very good excuses to cancel your social plans and stay home staring at your new best friend.

Let's take a walk through the essentials.

Choosing your puppy: love at first lick

If you're still at the decision-making stage, take your time. A puppy is not a pair of trainers. It's ten-plus years of companionship, mud, and unconditional love.

When visiting a litter, ask yourself:

• Is the pup curious and alert?
• Do they seem overwhelmed or shut down?
• How do they respond to handling — do they settle or wriggle like a sardine?

Ask about the parents, especially their temperament and health history. In Copenhagen, reputable breeders should follow guidelines on early socialisation and health checks (including hip and elbow scores if relevant).

And trust your gut — even if it's saying "choose the one with the wonky ear".

First nights home: the 'what have I done' phase

The first few nights might feel a bit like having a newborn. Except this one doesn't wear nappies and has a deep emotional bond with your favourite rug.

Here's what helps:

• Crate training. This is less "dog jail" and more "cosy den." Start slow. Toss treats in. Feed dinner inside. Make it a sanctuary.
• Tired puppies sleep better. Give them age-appropriate play and short training sessions.
• Night-time routine. Take them out for a final wee, use a calming voice, and settle them somewhere close by if possible.

Expect some whining. You're not being mean. You're just teaching them that alone doesn't mean abandoned.

Socialisation: a passport to city life

Socialisation isn't just puppy playdates and awkward sniffing at the park. It's about gentle, repeated exposure to the world they'll live in. Traffic sounds, coffee machines, cyclists, men with hats.

Try:

• A slow stroll down Værnedamsvej at 10am
• A polite meeting with the neighbour's elderly terrier
• A sit on your lap while watching buses and bikes pass on Nørrebrogade

Use treats, praise, and patience. It's about building confidence, not forcing bravery. And yes, socialisation continues after 16 weeks. Fear periods come and go like teenage moods.

The other bits: biting, toilet training, and other joys

Puppy biting: It's normal. It's annoying. It ends. Redirect to chew toys and frozen carrots (great for teething and Instagram content).

Toilet training: Out every two hours. After naps. After play. After food. Praise like they've won Eurovision when they go in the right spot. Ignore accidents unless they're on your bed — in which case, reflect on your own life choices for a moment, then carry on.

Your first few months: slow is smooth, smooth is fast

You don't need to teach everything at once. Focus on:

• Name recognition
• Coming when called
• Handling (touching paws, ears, collar)
• Settling on a mat or bed

Skip the TikTok tricks for now. A pup who can calmly sit at a café in Nørrebro Bryghus while you sip a flat white? That's worth more than a high-five.

Final thoughts: from 'what now?' to 'what's next?'

Having a puppy means discovering how many things can be chewed, how long you can go without sitting down, and how quickly you'll fall in love with a creature that eats socks. You'll learn patience. You'll become an expert in poop texture. You'll talk to strangers in the park like you've known them for years.

Take it one week at a time. Celebrate the small wins. And remember: even the most perfectly behaved Copenhagen café dog once cried through their first night in a crate, just like yours.