Frequently Asked Questions
We know from experience that buying a puppy raises a lot of questions. Below you’ll find the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
Purchase
Choosing & Buying a Puppy -
When can I choose a puppy?
You’re welcome to come visit once the puppies are 6 weeks old. Starting then, you can make your choice and let us know which puppy you’d like. Each puppy will have a colored collar so you can easily tell them apart. That way, you can take your time getting to know them and see which one you click with.
At what age, in weeks, can my puppy leave the litter?
Your puppy can leave the litter starting at 8 weeks of age. By that time, the puppy will have been microchipped, vaccinated, and dewormed. You will receive all the necessary documentation and information.
How do I choose the right puppy from the litter?
Consider the temperament that suits your lifestyle. Are you active and athletic? Then an energetic puppy might be a good fit. Are you more laid-back? Then a calmer temperament would be a better match.
Should I take the puppy that comes up to me first?
No, definitely not. The puppy that comes up to you first is often the boldest of the litter. That doesn’t say anything about the connection you might have with a puppy. Also pay attention to the quieter moments and observe how the puppies behave when they aren’t playing. When you come to see the puppies, they’re still very young. You can already see the general traits, but keep in mind that their personalities will continue to develop.
Should I choose a male or a female?
A male dog grows to be slightly larger and will exhibit more marking behavior. A female dog is, on average, slightly smaller and goes into heat twice a year. But in terms of temperament and obedience, gender makes little difference. We often notice that people tend to choose a female puppy because they assume they’re calmer. However, this isn’t always the case. A litter may include calm male puppies and feisty female puppies, but it can just as easily be the other way around. It all depends on the individual puppy.
Can I meet my puppy's mom and dad?
The mother is always present, so you can always see her. In most cases, the father is present as well, unless an outside stud dog is used. We’d be happy to show you the parents and tell you about their health records.
Health
Health & Personal Care
Is my puppy okay?
Every puppy is microchipped, has received its first vaccination, and has been dewormed several times. The puppies leave our kennel only when they are in optimal health.
When should I vaccinate my puppy?
Your puppy will receive 3 initial vaccinations: at 6, 9, and 12 weeks. If your puppy leaves the litter at 8 weeks, it will have already received the first vaccination. After that, you’ll take your puppy to your own veterinarian for the follow-up shots. After the first year, vaccinations are given annually.
When should I deworm my puppy?
At the breeder's, your puppy will be dewormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. After that, deworm your puppy once a month until it is 6 months old. Starting at 6 months, it is sufficient to deworm your puppy twice a year.
What health checkups should my puppy have had?
Every puppy has had a veterinary checkup, has been vaccinated, dewormed multiple times, and microchipped. At Noble Dogs, most of our breeding dogs have been tested for hip, elbow, heart, and eye conditions, as well as genetically screened.
Can I check my puppy's health myself?
Pay attention to your puppy's overall behavior. Is he active and cheerful? Are his eyes, ears, and nose clean? Does he have a healthy appetite? Is my puppy in top condition?
Can I bathe my puppy?
It’s recommended that you don’t bathe your puppy too often. Bathing them about four times a year with a mild dog shampoo is sufficient. Bathing them more often can damage the coat’s natural protective layer. Is your puppy dirty? If so, simply rinsing them off with lukewarm water is enough.
How much exercise should my puppy get?
The golden rule: the number of minutes of walking is equal to the number of weeks of age. So a 10-week-old puppy can walk for 10 minutes. Too much exercise at a young age can be harmful to the joints.
Nutrition
Nutrition
How do I know which food is right for my puppy?
Check the ingredients listed on the packaging and choose food that’s tailored to your puppy’s size and age. Based on our knowledge and experience, we’ve had our own kibble developed. You can also purchase this food from us (5 kg and 15 kg). You can do this either when you buy your puppy or at a later time. We’re currently working on an online store so you can order food for your four-legged friend online and have it delivered to your home.
Starting at one year of age, it is recommended to switch from puppy kibble to adult kibble. You can also purchase this adult food from us.
How much food should my puppy eat?
Follow the feeding schedule listed on the package. It is tailored to your puppy's weight and age. Start with the recommended amount and adjust it if your puppy becomes too fat or too thin.
How often should I feed my puppy?
Up to 6 months: 3 times a day (morning, afternoon, evening). From 6 months onward: 2 times a day (morning and evening). Do not leave the food bowl out all day.
Why is puppy food different from adult dog food?
Puppies have unique nutritional needs. They grow quickly and have a more sensitive digestive system. Puppy food is specially formulated with smaller kibble, more protein, and the right balance of minerals to support healthy growth.
Training
Parenting & Training
How do I start potty training?
Start as early as possible. Limit the space your puppy has to move around in. A few tips: take your puppy outside after eating, sleeping, and playing. Ideally, you should repeat this every two hours. At night, this doesn’t need to be as frequent. Reward your puppy generously when he goes to the bathroom outside. Never punish him for an accident indoors—he won’t understand what he did wrong.
How quickly does a puppy become house-trained?
This varies greatly from puppy to puppy. Some puppies are house-trained after 3 days, while others take 3 weeks or longer. Be patient, consistent, and reward every success. Most puppies are fully house-trained by the time they are 4 to 5 months old.
What is important about a good workout?
Keep it simple and fun. Be patient and always reward good behavior. Consistency is key: use the same words and gestures. Short training sessions of 5 to 10 minutes are more effective than long sessions.
Should I go to dog training school?
This is highly recommended. Dog training school teaches your puppy to socialize with other dogs and people. Plan on 15 to 20 lessons to build a solid foundation. You’ll also learn the proper techniques for training your dog.
When can I start attending dog training classes?
Usually starting at 13 weeks. Wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated before going to dog training school. Some schools offer puppy classes earlier, but it’s best to wait until your puppy has received the three basic vaccinations.
Can my puppy stay home alone?
Yes, but you need to build this up gradually. Start with short periods and slowly increase the time. A crate and/or puppy pen is a big help here: it gives your puppy a safe, familiar place. Never leave a young puppy alone for more than 3 to 4 hours. The first time you leave your puppy alone, go to another room for a few minutes, for example. A few days later, step out for a short while—to the bakery, for instance. This is how you gradually get your puppy used to being alone.
Practical Information
Practical Information
What documents will I receive?
You will receive a sales agreement, a Belgian (European) passport, a 1-year warranty covering hereditary conditions, and 6 pages of detailed information on feeding, grooming, and training your puppy.
What's in the puppy starter kit?
You can purchase a puppy starter kit from us. This kit includes 5 kg of trusted food, a measuring cup, a stuffed animal with the scent of the litter, and a chew treat. This way, your puppy will have everything it needs for a smooth start.
What is the average cost of a puppy?
The purchase price ranges from €950 to €2,500, depending on the breed. In addition, expect to spend an extra €1,000 to €1,500 in the first year on food, veterinary care, vaccinations, deworming, and supplies such as a crate, bed, and toys.
How much time should I spend with my puppy?
Expect to spend several hours a day with your puppy, especially at first. Your puppy needs walks, playtime, training, and, above all, lots of attention and social interaction. A dog is a member of the family that requires daily time and love.
How should I spend the first day with my puppy?
A puppy takes time. We recommend taking the first week off to focus on your puppy. Stay calm. Your puppy is entering a completely new environment and needs time to adjust. Limit the number of stimuli—for example, don’t have too many visitors. Introduce new experiences gradually. Let your puppy explore at its own pace. There’s a very good chance your puppy will cry the first night. Your puppy misses its littermates and mom. That’s normal and will pass with time.
Is this breed a good fit for my lifestyle?
Consider the breed's energy level, size, and coat care requirements. Not sure? Contact us, and we'll help you make the right choice.
What does my puppy need?
Make sure you have a comfortable bed, a crate, a collar or harness with a leash, food and water bowls, and plenty of toys. A crate is especially useful for potty training and gives your puppy a safe place to rest.
How do I choose a name for my puppy?
Choose a short, catchy name with 1 to 2 syllables. Your puppy should be able to recognize its name easily. Think of names like Max, Zara, Nala, Cooper, Pepper, etc.
My puppy whines at night—is that normal?
Yes, that’s completely normal. Your puppy is homesick for the litter, his mom, and his brothers and sisters. This will get better quickly with lots of love and patience. The stuffed animal with the litter’s scent that you’re given helps a lot with this.
I already have a dog. Can I get a second one?
Absolutely, that’s actually a wise choice! Dogs are pack animals and enjoy company. Make sure to introduce them properly on neutral ground, and give your first dog plenty of attention so he doesn’t get jealous.
Where is the best place to buy a puppy?
Always purchase from a certified breeder with an HK number, registered by the Flemish government. A certified breeder complies with strict regulations regarding animal welfare, hygiene, and health checks.
How do I choose a veterinarian?
Ask other dog owners, ask friends who have dogs, or ask us. Choose a veterinarian who lives close to you and with whom you feel comfortable. A good veterinarian takes the time to explain everything and will always put your dog’s well-being first.
Should I have my dog spayed or neutered?
We do not recommend this unless there is a medical reason. There are quite a few drawbacks associated with it. These include changes in coat texture, lower energy levels, and possible weight gain. Spaying or neutering is not recommended before your dog is one year old, as it can affect your dog’s growth and development.
Is Noble Dogs a puppy mill?
Absolutely not. At Noble Dogs, the animals’ well-being and health always come first. We are licensed by the Flemish government (HK13108355). Most of our breeding dogs have undergone extensive testing, and our puppies grow up in a healthy, stimulating environment with plenty of love and attention. We have multiple dogs and multiple breeds. We make our living by breeding dogs. However, we have several people who are responsible for caring for and socializing our dogs and puppies on a daily basis. Our entire lives revolve around our dogs. A great deal of our (free) time is devoted to our breeding program. Going on vacation and/or taking weekends off is rarely, if ever, an option for us.
Can't find your question?
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Feel free to contact us. We'd be happy to help.
