Irish Water Spaniel Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

What do you need before bringing home an Irish Water Spaniel puppy?

Last updated October 8, 2026

Before your Irish Water Spaniel puppy arrives, four items require action: confirming health documentation from the breeder, enrolling in pet insurance before the first vet visit, identifying a groomer experienced with curly coats, and researching the breed's documented drug sensitivity so you can communicate it clearly at the first veterinary appointment.

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Health Documentation to Confirm Before Purchase

• OFA hip certification for both parents
• CAER ophthalmology exam for both parents
• Thyroid evaluation
• Ask the breeder specifically about drug sensitivity history in their lines and any documentation on this topic

Essential Gear Checklist

• Large crate (36–42 inch with divider for growth)
• Orthopedic dog bed
  One option: Bedsure Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed (XL, 42 x 32 in) on Amazon. A bolstered bed with egg-crate foam, a low entry, and a removable machine-washable cover with a waterproof layer. Check the size chart (this is the XL, 42 x 32 in size); it's egg-crate foam rather than memory foam.
• Stainless steel bowls
• Flat collar + ID tag (engrave immediately on arrival)
  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.
• Harness for walks
• 4–6 ft leash
  One option: Joytale Double-Handle Leash (6 ft) on Amazon. A 6-foot nylon leash with a padded second handle near the clip for close control, plus reflective stitching for dark walks. The 1-inch webbing suits medium and large dogs; it can feel heavy on a young puppy.
• Wide-tooth metal comb and slicker brush — grooming begins week one
  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.
• Veterinary ear cleaning solution and cotton balls
• High-value training treats
  One option: Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Training Treats, Beef (19 oz) on Amazon. Soft, bite-size training treats with real beef as the first ingredient, small enough for rapid repetitions. Keep treats to about 10% of daily calories.
• Retrieve bumpers and floating toys for water work
• Durable chew toys
• Enzymatic cleaner
  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 Week Priorities

What should the first week with an Irish Water Spaniel puppy look like?

Insurance Before the First Vet Visit

Enroll in pet insurance on arrival day, before the puppy's first veterinary appointment. Look for a policy with strong orthopedic coverage and no breed-specific exclusions for ear conditions. Enrolling first preserves maximum coverage for conditions that may develop later.

First Vet Visit — Drug Sensitivity Is the Priority Communication

At the first vet visit, communicate the breed's documented drug sensitivity clearly and ask the vet to note it in the permanent record. Irish Water Spaniels have known sensitivity to sulfasalazine and potentially other medications. The veterinary record note ensures this is visible to any future treating veterinarian, including emergency vets. Ask your primary vet to note it as: "Irish Water Spaniel — documented drug sensitivity. Check IWS-specific sensitivity list before prescribing."

First Vet Visit Checklist

• Full physical exam
• Vaccine schedule verification and continuation
• Parasite prevention discussion
• Drug sensitivity documentation in the record
• Ear exam — establish a clean baseline
• Microchip if not done by breeder

Groomer Selection

Identify a groomer experienced with curly-coated breeds — Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Lagottos — before the puppy needs its first trim at 10–14 weeks. A brief familiarization visit (puppy on the table, treats, brief handling, no cutting) before the first real appointment reduces the first grooming session's stress significantly.

Water Work and Socialization

Water Introduction and Socialization for IWS Puppies

Water Introduction — Early and Positive

Irish Water Spaniels are purpose-built water dogs. Most IWS puppies take readily to water with positive early introduction. Start in shallow, calm water from 8–10 weeks — a paddling pool, shallow creek, or gentle lake edge. Let the puppy choose the depth and pace. Never force entry into water. Use retrieve toys to encourage positive water association. By 4–5 months with proper introduction, most IWS puppies are enthusiastic swimmers.

After every water session, clean and dry the ears immediately. This post-water ear routine, established from puppyhood, is the most effective prevention for the chronic ear infections that affect many IWS dogs.

Socialization Window: 8–16 Weeks

Prioritize socialization during the critical window. IWS can be reserved with strangers without adequate early exposure. Expose the puppy to:

• Varied people — different ages, appearances, children, visitors
• Novel environments — different settings, surfaces, sounds
• Controlled dog interactions in puppy classes
• Water environments progressively from early age
• Handling: ears, paws, coat — critical for this breed's maintenance requirements

Training — Clownish but Capable

IWS dogs are known for their playful, sometimes clownish personality combined with genuine working intelligence. They respond well to positive reinforcement and training that engages them — they can get bored with endless repetition. Keep sessions short, varied, and rewarding. Start basic obedience from the first week. A puppy class by 10–12 weeks provides structured training and socialization. For owners planning field or hunt test work, introduce water retrieves and bird exposure early.