Preparation

Puppies are very inquisitive and explore their world with their mouths so begin to prepare your home well before your puppy arrives. Prepare as if a toddler on four legs was about to visit, anything you can pick up in your hand, your puppy can carry in their mouth. Provide enough interesting, robust, teething toys for your puppy as chewing ensures good healthy teeth and keeps your dog occupied. Toys that reward your puppy for chewing the right items such as food filled or flavoured toys are ideal and also have the added benefit of keeping your puppy entertained for hours. The therapeutic action of chewing also alleviates the feeling of anxiety and provides comfort during the periods of loneliness.

It is also worth deciding what areas you are going to allow your puppy access to well before they arrive. Baby gates can be a great way of keeping them in certain areas where they are safe and secure.

The first few weeks and months of your puppy's life are important in establishing a relationship with your new family. You must be consistent and firm, while at the same time providing them with a secure and happy home.

Tips for choosing a name

• Ideally names should be short.
• A two-syllable name is preferable because it's brief but won't be confused with one-syllable commands such as "No" or "Sit."
• Try to be consistent; all family members should use the same name so don't use confusing nicknames or variations.
• Reward your puppy's name recognition with lots of praise and play.

Bed time

Give your puppy their own bed. Put this somewhere out of draughts and with some privacy. On the first night your puppy might appreciate a Snugglesafe Heat Pad to keep it warm and make it feel secure in its new surroundings.

A soother, such as the Puppy Teething Keys, is also comforting for your puppy. The textured key shapes will satisfy your puppy's natural instincts making it feel more at ease.

If you have other animals in the house, introduce them gradually and do not leave or feed them together until they have become friends.

Feeding

Your puppy's first few meals at home are very important. Find out what food your pup has been eating and continue feeding this food for a day or two after you have taken them home. If you want to change his diet to a premium nutrition such as Pets at Home Puppy Complete, then do it gradually, over a period of a week or two. Mix increasing proportions of the new food with the old to make the transition easy on your puppy's digestive system. High quality complete dry dog food is not only healthier for your dog, it also yields much smaller and tidier poop piles.