Finnish Spitz Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

What do you need before bringing home a Finnish Spitz puppy?

Last updated October 8, 2026

Yard Security: A Finnish Spitz is a hunting breed with a strong instinct to follow its nose and eyes. A securely fenced yard is not optional — it is essential. Check for gaps in fencing, gates that don't latch securely, and any areas where a puppy could dig under or squeeze through.

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Supplies Checklist:

• Medium-sized wire crate with divider panel for puppy use
• Dog bed or crate pad
• Stainless steel food and water bowls
• Medium-breed puppy food matching what the breeder was feeding
  One option: Purina Pro Plan Puppy, Chicken & Rice (34 lb) on Amazon. Purina Pro Plan's standard high-protein puppy formula with chicken as the first ingredient, for breeds that mature in the medium range. Ask your vet about portions and when to move to adult food.
• Flat collar with ID tag
  One option: GoTags Personalized Stainless Steel ID Tag on Amazon. An engraved stainless steel ID tag; you pick the shape and the lines of text at checkout. Put a phone number that's actually answered on it, and update the engraving if you move.
• 4-foot and 6-foot leashes
• Harness for daily walks
• Slicker brush and wide-toothed metal comb (start grooming habits early)
  One option: Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush on Amazon. The Big G has long, angled pins set in a flexible cushioned pad, built for working through double, long and curly coats. Use light strokes; slicker pins can scratch skin if pressed hard.
• Undercoat rake (you'll need this once the adult coat develops)
  One option: Maxpower Planet Undercoat Rake on Amazon. A dual-sided rake: the 9-tooth side works through tangles and the 17-tooth side thins out loose undercoat in dense double coats. Work in the direction of hair growth and ease off over bony areas.
• Interactive puzzle feeders and durable toys
  One option: Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle on Amazon. A level-2 Nina Ottosson puzzle: treats go into rotating layers the dog has to spin open, with removable bone covers to raise the difficulty. Supervise and put it away after the session; it's for feeding time, not a chew toy.
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
  One option: Nature's Miracle Dog Stain & Odor Remover (32 oz) on Amazon. An enzymatic stain and odor cleaner that keeps breaking down urine and other organic messes after you apply it. Spot-test on carpet or upholstery first.

First Vet Visit: Schedule within the first 3–5 days. Bring all breeder health documentation and discuss the vaccination and deworming schedule.

First Week Setup

What supplies does a Finnish Spitz puppy need?

Crate Training: Finnish Spitz puppies benefit from crate training for house-training and managing their independence when unsupervised. Introduce the crate positively with meals and treats inside. Build up duration slowly. A well-crate-trained Finnish Spitz is a calmer, safer dog in the home.

Potty Schedule: Take puppy outside immediately after waking, after each meal, after play, and before bed. Consistency is key — the Finnish Spitz is intelligent and will learn quickly if the schedule is clear and rewards are immediate. Accidents should be cleaned up without fuss.

Grooming Introduction: Begin gentle brushing sessions from day one, even if the puppy coat doesn't need it yet. The goal is desensitization — getting the puppy comfortable with being brushed, having its ears handled, paws touched, and mouth examined. This makes adult grooming sessions far easier.

Socialization: The critical socialization window (3–14 weeks) is your most powerful tool for shaping a confident, adaptable adult. Expose your Finnish Spitz puppy to different people, surfaces, sounds, children, and friendly dogs in positive contexts.

Training

Training a Dog That Thinks for Itself

Positive Reinforcement Only: The Finnish Spitz is highly sensitive to harsh handling and will shut down or become avoidant with punishment-based training methods. Positive reinforcement — treats, praise, and play as rewards — is the only effective approach with this breed.

Recall Training: A reliable recall is critical for a hunting-instinct breed. Begin recall practice in the house, progress to a long line in the yard, and only consider off-leash work in fully enclosed areas. Make coming to you the most rewarding thing in the world.

Bark Management: You cannot eliminate barking from a Finnish Spitz — but you can teach a 'quiet' cue. When the puppy barks, wait for a brief pause, then reward the quiet immediately. Over time, you can put barking under cue control, which gives you much more flexibility. Do not expect silence — this is a barking breed.

Mental Stimulation: A bored Finnish Spitz barks, digs, and creates its own entertainment. Interactive feeding toys, scent games, and training sessions provide the mental engagement this breed requires daily.