Irish Setter Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

Irish Setter Puppy Prep: CLAD Documentation and Exercise Plan

Before your Irish Setter puppy arrives, two items matter most: verifying the CLAD DNA test documentation from both parents, and having a realistic daily exercise plan in place. Irish Setters are high-energy breeds that need an outlet — starting that plan from week one sets habits that serve the dog for life.

CLAD Documentation Checklist

• Request CLAD (Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency) DNA test result for the sire — must show "clear"
• Request CLAD DNA test result for the dam — must show "clear"
• Also request: PRA DNA test results (rcd-1 form), OFA hip clearance for both parents

Essential Gear Checklist

• Large crate (42-inch, with divider for puppyhood)
• Orthopedic dog bed
• Stainless steel food and water bowls
• Flat collar + ID tag
• Harness for walks
• 6 ft leash
• Pin brush and wide-tooth comb
• Dog ear cleaning solution
• High-value training treats
• Enzymatic cleaner
• Durable toys — Irish Setters in the puppy phase go through toys

First Week Setup

First Vet Visit: Gastropexy Discussion and Insurance

First Vet Visit (Within 48–72 Hours)

• Full physical exam and health verification
• Vaccine continuation and parasite prevention
• Enroll in pet insurance before this appointment
• Share CLAD and PRA documentation with your vet for their records
• Discuss prophylactic gastropexy: Ask your vet about scheduling this procedure during spay/neuter — it eliminates the GDV volvulus risk in this deep-chested breed. This is a timing decision, not a later-add-on, so discuss at the first visit
• Microchip if not done by breeder

Energy Management From Day One

Irish Setters need exercise, but puppy joints need protection. Use the 5-minute rule until the dog is 18 months old — 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Free play in a safe yard is appropriate; jogging is not until 18 months when growth plates close. The exercise habits you establish now become the daily routine for 12–15 years.

Socialization and Training

A Friendly Breed That Still Needs Consistency

Socialization Window (8–16 Weeks)

Irish Setters are naturally social — the socialization window for this breed is about maximizing that natural friendliness rather than managing a challenging temperament. Expose broadly and positively:

• Diverse people: ages, appearances, uniforms, children
• Environments: urban sounds, traffic, buildings, outdoor spaces
• Other dogs: puppy class is ideal and well-suited to this breed's social nature

Priority Training Commands

• Recall (Come): The most important command for a sporting breed. Start recall training early and practice constantly in progressively more distracting environments. A reliable recall is never fully safe in open unfenced areas with birds present, but it's essential for daily management.
• Loose-leash walking: the exuberance translates to pulling — address from the first walk
• Sit and Down: foundation commands for impulse control
• Patience: Irish Setters are slow to mature — expect puppy behavior for 3–4 years and train accordingly