Norwich Terrier Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

What do you need before bringing home a Norwich Terrier puppy?

Last updated October 8, 2026

Fencing: A secure, escape-proof yard is essential for any terrier. Check all fence lines for gaps, make sure gates latch securely, and watch for digging potential at the base of fences. Norwich Terriers are small but determined — don't underestimate what they can squeeze through or under.

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Supplies Checklist:

• Small wire crate with removable divider for puppy sizing
• Soft crate pad or dog bed
• Stainless steel food and water bowls
• Small-breed puppy food (match what the breeder was feeding)
  One option: Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy, Chicken & Rice (6 lb) on Amazon. Purina Pro Plan's small-breed puppy formula, with kibble sized for small mouths and chicken as the first ingredient. 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.
• Lightweight harness for walks
• Short (4-foot) and longer (6-foot) leashes
• Slicker brush and metal comb
  One option: Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush on Amazon. Long angled pins in a flexible cushioned pad that lift dead hair and work through leg and beard furnishings. Use light strokes; slicker pins can scratch skin if pressed hard.
• Durable chew toys and interactive puzzles
  One option: Nylabone Puppy Pacifier Teething Chew on Amazon. A softer puppy-formula chew for teething mouths, labeled for puppies up to 25 pounds. Puppy-formula chews are for baby teeth; move to an adult chew once the adult teeth are in.
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
  One option: Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Stain & Odor Eliminator (32 oz) on Amazon. An enzyme stain and odor eliminator for urine, feces and vomit, carrying the Carpet and Rug Institute's seal for carpets. Spot-test on delicate fabrics first.
• Long line (15–20 feet) for recall practice

Vet Visit: Schedule within the first week. Bring all health and vaccination records from the breeder. Discuss deworming, vaccination schedule, and spay/neuter timing if applicable.

First Week Setup

What should the first week with a Norwich Terrier puppy look like?

Crate Training: The crate is your most important tool in the first weeks. Make it cozy, feed all meals inside it, and build up duration gradually. A well-crate-trained Norwich Terrier is a safer, calmer dog at home and at the vet or groomer.

Potty Schedule: Young Norwich puppies need to go outside every 1–2 hours during waking hours. Key times: immediately upon waking, after every meal, after play, and before bed. Consistent schedule plus immediate reward after going outside builds the habit reliably.

Grooming Handling: Start gentle grooming handling from day one. Touch paws, ears, and mouth daily, run a soft brush through the coat, and make it all a positive experience with treats and calm praise. This is the single best investment you can make for your puppy's adult grooming comfort.

First Night: Some Norwich Terrier puppies settle quickly; others take several nights. Placing the crate near your bed — so the puppy can hear and smell you — typically shortens the adjustment period. Resist the urge to bring the puppy into your bed unless you want that arrangement permanently.

Training

Training Foundations for Your Norwich Terrier Puppy

Basic Obedience Early: Norwich Terriers are bright and pick up cues quickly when motivation is high. Start teaching sit, down, and come within the first week at home using small, soft treats. Keep sessions short (3–5 minutes) and end on a win.
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.

Socialization: Use the critical window (3–14 weeks) to expose your puppy to as many positive new experiences as possible. Different surfaces, sounds, people of all ages, friendly dogs, and new environments all contribute to building a confident, adaptable adult Norwich Terrier.

Impulse Control: Teaching 'wait' before meals, 'leave it' on walks, and 'off' when jumping builds the impulse control that makes a terrier much easier to live with. These cues are particularly valuable for a prey-driven breed.

Enroll in Puppy Class: A well-run puppy class offers socialization opportunities, foundation training, and guidance from a professional trainer — all in one. Enroll as soon as vaccines allow. Norwich Terriers generally enjoy the stimulation of class environments.