A Sustainable Start: How to Raise Your Puppy to Be Eco-Friendly

The decision has been made: a puppy is coming home! A wave of excitement, joy, and preparation washes over you. You're already dreaming of a new puppy running around the room, of cuddles on the couch, and long walks in the park. Getting a dog is one of life's most rewarding experiences. But in a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, this new phase in life also brings a new responsibility: how can you ensure your new housemate's paw print is as small as possible?

At Cooper & Quint, we believe that loving your puppy goes hand in hand with loving our planet. Good preparation is crucial. We'd love to guide you through the fascinating stages of puppy development and offer practical, sustainable tips for every step. From choosing your puppy to daily care, we'll give your puppy a green start in their new home.

The Magical Stages of a Puppy: A Journey of Growth

Before we delve into sustainable choices, it's essential to understand how a puppy develops. Each stage has unique needs that influence your choices for products, training, and nutrition.

1. The Neonatal Stage (0-2 weeks): The pups are born blind and deaf and are completely dependent on their mother. They drink their mother's milk, sleep, and grow. The breeder plays a crucial role in creating a safe and hygienic environment for the litter.
2. The Transition Phase (2-3 weeks): Their eyes and ears open. The puppies begin to explore their surroundings, wobbly and unsteady. For the first time, they become aware of the scent and presence of their littermates and their mother.
3. The Socialization Phase (3-12 weeks): This is the most important period in a dog's life. What a puppy learns during this phase forms the foundation for its later behavior. A good breeder ensures exposure to a variety of sounds, people, and environments. When the puppy moves to its new home around 8-9 weeks, it's your job to carefully continue this process. Acclimating to the new home and family is crucial.
4. The Juvenile Stage (3-6 months): Your puppy is now a mischievous adolescent. He's establishing pecking order, testing boundaries, and potty training should be paying off. This is a period of intense training and learning desired behavior.
5. Adolescence (from 6 months to adulthood): Hormones are raging. What your puppy was perfectly capable of yesterday, they seem to have forgotten today. Patience and consistent training are essential. A puppy at six months old tests your limits, but with loving guidance, everything will turn out fine.

Our top 5 tips for becoming a sustainable puppy owner.

1. Adopt a puppy: The most sustainable choice

The most sustainable step you can take starts even before you buy puppy supplies: choosing the dog itself.

Adoption as a first option

Shelters worldwide are full of loving dogs waiting for a second chance. By adopting a dog, you not only give an animal a forever home but also reduce the demand for new litters. This helps combat pet overpopulation. Check out the websites of the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals , DOA (Amsterdam Animal Shelter) , or the Verhuisdieren.nl platform. to see which dogs are looking for a home. Even better is to visit a local animal shelter; the staff there can perfectly help you find a dog that fits your lifestyle.

Choosing a responsible breeder

If you do decide to buy a puppy from a breeder, it's crucial to do so responsibly. A good breeder isn't a puppy mill, but a passionate lover of a specific breed.

• Visit the breeder: Always visit. Pay attention to hygiene, living conditions, and the interaction between the breeder and the animals. A large litter isn't necessarily a bad sign, but the breeder should be able to give each puppy individual attention.
• Health and hereditary defects: A responsible breeder tests parent animals for hereditary defects common in certain breeds. Think of hip dysplasia in a Labrador or respiratory problems in a French Bulldog. Ask to see the health certificates.
• Socialization: Ask what the breeder does for the early socialization of the puppies. Are they exposed to household noises? Do they interact with children and other animals?
• Different breeds: Whether you dream of an energetic Labradoodle, a tiny Chihuahua, or a headstrong Dachshund, choose a breed that suits your living situation, energy level, and experience. A mismatch is one of the main reasons dogs end up in shelters. A well-considered choice is a sustainable choice.

2. Sustainable products: Invest in quality, not quantity

Puppy-proofing your home and purchasing the right supplies is a fun, but sometimes overwhelming, task. It's tempting to fall for cute, cheap toys and accessories. Sustainability, however, teaches us to think differently.

The basic layout: less is more

A puppy doesn't need a room full of toys. Focus on a few high-quality, safe, and durable items.

• The crate and bed: A crate can be a safe haven for your puppy to sleep in. Choose a metal crate that grows with your dog. Invest in a dog bed made from natural and sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, jute, and hemp.
• Collar and leash : Avoid cheap nylon products. Choose a collar and leash made from sustainable materials like hemp or rope. To make things easier, Cooper & Quint has created special puppy packs . These include a stylish collar, a matching leash, and a handy poop bag holder. This way, you'll have a complete, sustainable, and fashionable set right at your fingertips.
• Toys : Puppies chew. A lot. Choose toys made of natural rubber or rope.

Secondhand and upcycling

Check Marktplaats or local groups for secondhand puppy supplies. A crate, travel basket, or food bowls are often in excellent condition and deserve a second life.

3. Sustainable food and treats: Good for your pup, better for the planet

The environmental impact of dog food is significant. As the recent HUMAN television program "What's Holding Us Back?" aptly demonstrated, meat production for pet food has a significant ecological footprint. Fortunately, more and more sustainable alternatives are becoming available.

Choose the right dog food

• Local & cruelty-free ingredients: Look for brands that source their ingredients locally and in a cruelty-free manner.
• Alternative protein sources: Consider insect-based or other sustainable protein foods. Brands like PAWR, Goood Petfood, and Bell's Petfood are leading the way, offering high-quality, environmentally friendly options.
• Packaging: Pay attention to the packaging. More and more brands are switching to recyclable or compostable packaging.

Homemade and sustainable treats

You can also make healthy dog treats yourself and avoid packaging waste. Need inspiration? Check out the recipe book "Don't Forget the Dog" by renowned culinary expert Yvette van Boven. This book, available on the Cooper & Quint website, is full of fun and healthy recipes your dog will love.

4. A Clean Paw Print: Cleaning Up Dog Poop

Every dog owner knows the daily routine: cleaning up after their dog. With millions of dogs worldwide, the use of traditional plastic bags creates a mountain of waste.

Choosing the right bags

Fortunately, there's a stylish and sustainable alternative. At Cooper & Quint, you'll find 100% compostable poop bags from The Sustainable People . These bags are made from cornstarch and break down completely, leaving no harmful microplastics behind. Pair them with the matching, chic poop bag holder from our collection. This way, you can walk in style and care for the planet at the same time. This small gesture makes a big difference.

5. Care & Health: A Natural Approach

A healthy dog is a happy dog. You can also make conscious, sustainable choices when it comes to grooming and health.

Natural care products

Many shampoos contain harsh chemicals. Therefore, choose brands that use natural, organic, and biodegradable ingredients. Bobba Bars grooming products are a prime example. These shampoo bars are not only 100% natural and gentle on puppy skin, but also completely plastic-free, minimizing waste.

Preventive health care

Sustainability in healthcare means prevention.

• Veterinarian: Work closely with your veterinarian. An annual checkup is essential. Discuss a preventative plan for deworming and flea and tick treatment.
• Exercise and nutrition: The foundation of good health is proper nutrition and sufficient exercise. This keeps your dog at a healthy weight and reduces the risk of numerous health conditions.

Conclusion: A lifelong journey

Raising a puppy is one of the most rewarding adventures you can undertake. From the moment you decide to buy a puppy to the daily care of your adult companion, there are countless moments when you can make a choice. A choice for convenience, or a choice for sustainability.

By choosing adoption or a responsible breeder, investing in sustainable puppy supplies, making conscious choices about dog food, and even considering the poop bag you use, you contribute to a healthier planet. You show your new puppy that love and responsibility go hand in hand.

At Cooper & Quint, we're proud to support you on this adventure. Our carefully selected articles and products are designed with style, quality, and sustainability in mind. Because we believe that every dog, from French Bulldog to Labrador, deserves the best possible start. A start that's not only good for them, but for all of us. Welcome to the wonderful world of puppy parenting. Do it with your heart, and do it sustainably.

Want to read more? Also check out our blog about puppy harnesses .