If you’ve just adopted an Alaskan Klee Kai puppy, here’s everything you need to know about what to expect on week one! In this article, I will explain how you successfully introduce your puppy to its new home and include some recommendations for things you should keep in mind when the day to come back with the best company has finally arrived.
Klee Kai Week 1: Drinking
Making sure your new Alaskan Klee Kai puppy is drinking enough is extremely important. My recommendation: Water, water, water. Always check your puppy has something to drink (and is actually drinking). You may have to sit on the ground for 30 minutes with your doggie and a bowl of water to make sure they are doing so. Remember: Some puppies will not leave your side at the beginning, even to drink!
Klee Kai Week 1: Eating
For the first three days after your puppy arrives, you should only feed them boiled, shredded chicken mixed in with steamed rice and some of the broth. Allow them to eat their fill three times a day. After this time has passed, or when you feel your puppy is acclimated to your home, you can switch to your raw dog food (once in the morning and once in the evening) and start leaving out their kibble during the day. If you want to learn more about the best foods and snacks, here’s a detailed guide about feeding your Klee Kai (including the best brands for dry food).
Klee Kai Week 1: Sleeping
I always try to get new puppy owners to just sleep with them in bed. It is the best for the doggies, plus you will get a good night’s rest in excellent company.
However, if you are not able to sleep with your pup or you’re worried about accidents during the first week of caring for your Klee Kai, it’s a good idea to then put them in their soft side crate on the bed stand – right next to you. If they start to fuss, you can unzip the top a bit and put your hand in to comfort them. If it’s been more than five minutes and they will not quiet, then take them out to make sure they do not have to go potty.
After a week of doing this, your Alaskan Klee Kai puppy will be used to going to bed in a crate, so you can transition them to a plastic one on the floor. Once potty trained, you can give them their own bed in your room!
Klee Kai Week 1: Going Potty
Klee Kai puppies (well, all puppies) need to go potty when they wake up, 15 minutes after they start to play, and 15 minutes after they eat.
Your Nordic Klee Kai puppy will already be litter box trained, so they will go on their own once they know where in the home your box is. So, make sure you show them often where you’ve placed it and try not to change its location. If you wish to start to train them to go outside, then something you can do is put a little bit of litter in the area they will be using. Tell them to go potty, and when they do, reward them with praise and lots of treats.
During week one and when you are home, if you are not actively watching your Klee Kai puppy, it’s a good idea to put them on a leash and attach the leash to you. This will keep them with you and will prevent them from going off into a corner to potty. If you are teaching your puppy to potty outside, make sure you’re not using a public area until they are fully vaccinated.
A Note On Potty Accidents
During week one, your puppy will still be very young, so you should expect accidents. Puppies do not have complete control of their bladders until they are four months old. To help prevent this, make sure you take your puppy to the litter box or potty area every two hours for the first few days.
Klee Kai Week 1: Where Should I Keep My Puppy?
I only put my puppy in their area when I am not home. Otherwise, my puppies are always with me. This is what I would recommend you do as well during your first week with your Klee Kai. Here are some other tips:
Select an area in your home that you can puppy-proof. I like the living room or kitchen area because they I’m frequently in them and can keep a close eye on the pups. A room dedicated to your dog is nice too, if you can support this space. I do not ever recommend the garage. Ever. If you are unable to give them their own room, then a playpen is my second choice.
Always puppy-proof whatever area you choose. This means there should be no access to electrical wires, dangerous items, or anything you do not want your puppy to play with. This is really important! Then, put out your litter box, food, water, toys, lots of cardboard boxes, a doggie bed, and a bone to chew. This is all your Alaskan Klee Kai puppy will need to be as happy as they can be while you are away that first week.
