Once you have chosen your puppy, it is important for you to make plans for his transition to your home. This will help reduce any extra stress caused by his new surroundings and give him the best start in his new life. Here are some basic guidelines for you to follow.

• Preparation
• The puppy's first days
• Training
• Health care
• Feeding and exercise

Preparation:

• Decide on a name for your new puppy. This will be one of the first things he will learn.
   
• Decide where your new puppy is going to sleep and have a suitable bed ready with a blanket or an old jumper. Many people choose to place the bed in the kitchen, where the floor is easy to clean and the area is free from draughts.
   
• Some puppies may have been brought up to use an indoor kennel or puppy playpen and they soon realise this is their own area where they sleep and keep their toys. A puppy will quickly learn not to make a mess . in the cage, providing he is given plenty of opportunity to relieve himself.
   
• Ensure you have all the necessary equipment such as a feeding bowl, a water bowl, newspaper, a couple of safe toys, suitable grooming equipment for the coat type, a lead, collar and name tag, and a supply of food he is used to (ask the breeder or rescue centre beforehand).
   
• Ensure the home environment is safe. 'Puppy proofing' is wise to avoid any unnecessary accidents. Remove anything that you would not wish to be chewed, particularly electrical flexes and also ensure that garden fencing and gates are secure.

The puppy's first days:

• If the puppy appears unwell when you go to collect him - DO NOT take him - arrange to return another day.
• Request a written agreement that purchase is subject to a satisfactory examination by your veterinary surgeon within 48 hours.
   
• When you collect the puppy, it is best for two people to make the journey so that someone can hold the puppy in the car. It may be a good idea to take some newspaper in case he is travel sick.
   
• If you have bought a puppy from a breeder, make sure that you get all the relevant paperwork - such as the Kennel Club registration forms, pedigree certificate, dietary advice sheet, worming and vaccination details - at the time of collection.
   
• If your puppy has come from a rescue centre, ensure that you listen carefully to any instructions given by the staff. If your puppy has already been vaccinated you should receive a certificate, as well as details relating to any medical treatment that he may have received. You should also receive literature relating to feeding, basic training techniques and advice regarding future health care. Most rescue centres will be happy to give follow up advice and support, should you require it.
   
• For the children in the family, this will be a very exciting time. It should be explained that the puppy is not a toy and that he needs to sleep undisturbed. This is a good opportunity to teach your children about responsible dog ownership.

Training:

• Obtain a book which can assist you with basic training techniques.
   
• The puppy is bound to feel confused at first. Be gentle and kind and allow him time to settle in his new surroundings. Introduce him to the areas of the house where he is allowed to go and show him where his bed and bowls are located.
   
• Make enquiries with your local vet about reputable puppy socialisation and training classes. Visit the class to ensure it will suit both you and your new puppy. Remember a good class will get booked up quickly, so you may need to register in advance. Some classes will take puppies after their first vaccination.
   
• PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE TRAINING METHODS EMPLOYED AND ADVISED ARE BASED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF KINDNESS AND FAIRNESS
   
• Training your puppy should start straight away to avoid him developing bad habits. Teach him what is acceptable. Make clear and simple commands and show your puppy what you want him to do. Lessons should be short and at regular intervals. Remember - always reward good behaviour.
   
• Play is essential and can be used to reward good behaviour. It will also give you the opportunity to build a good relationship with your dog and can be used to establish his position in the family unit.
   
• Most puppies are anxious to please, therefore rewarding good behaviour is far more effective than punishing him for a poor performance.
   
• You will need to take your puppy outside hourly. Puppies have very weak bladder control and will need to relieve themselves at least 12 times throughout the day. There is a fairly set pattern to this: immediately after waking, after exercise or play and after each meal. Always choose the same place in the garden. Remain with the puppy until he has performed and then give him plenty of generous praise. It is essential that he links the chosen area in the garden with reward. Remember accidents will happen. If you catch your puppy in the act, simply take him outside and then praise him for his efforts. Never shout or hit the puppy as this will cause confusion and is likely to make matters worse. During the times when the puppy has no access to the garden, it is a good idea to place some newspaper on the floor.
   
• Place a suitable collar on your puppy and allow him time to get used to it. Remember to fasten it up tight enough, so that he cannot pull it over his head, but remember to make adjustments as he grows. Attach the lead and gently encourage the puppy to follow you, using praise. If he struggles hold the lead until he realises that there is no escape, then gently coax him to move forward again.

Health care:

• Register your puppy with a local vet and have him checked over as soon as possible - don't wait for an emergency.
   
• Routine health care is very important and should begin when your puppy is young and be maintained throughout his lifetime.
   
• Should your new puppy show any signs of illness, ensure you seek early veterinary advice.
   
• Make enquiries regarding pet insurance. Veterinary treatment can be expensive, particularly when you least expect it. Details about different insurance companies and the policies they offer can be obtained from your local vet. Most good breeders subscribe to an insurance scheme, which offer six weeks insurance cover for the puppy in his new home, but it is up to you to renew the policy after this time.
   
• If your puppy is not vaccinated ask your vet's advice as to the best age for the puppy to start the course. If possible, allow your puppy a week to settle in before making the appointment.
   
• It is also important to maintain a strict worming and flea regime, particularly during the puppy's first year. Your vet will advise you with regard to what preparations he will need and how often they should be used.
   
• It is important for you to accustom your puppy to being examined regularly. Checking his entire body including his ears, mouth, eyes, and paws. This will allow you to check your pet's general health and also make it easier should you need to administer any veterinary treatment that may be necessary in the future.
   
• Ask the breeder or rescue centre staff about coat care and grooming equipment for the particular breed. Not only is regular grooming beneficial to the dog, it also helps build a good relationship between you and your dog. Train the puppy to stand quietly and reassure him throughout the procedure. Try to make this an enjoyable experience for the puppy and remember to give plenty of praise for good behaviour.
   
• Only bath your puppy if necessary. This should be done with warm water and a mild shampoo. How often your puppy should be bathed, will depend on the breed and coat type.
   
• By eight weeks of age, your puppy will have a complete set of teeth. Between the ages of three and six months the puppy will shed its baby teeth to allow the adult teeth to come through. Dental care should start as soon as possible. Toothbrushing, when done regularly, is the most effective way of removing plaque from your dog's teeth and keeping the gums healthy. You may find that your puppy will want to chew everything. Try to avoid leaving any objects lying around that you would not want to be chewed. Provide the puppy with his own safe chew toy.

Feeding and Exercise:

• Feed your puppy at regular intervals - (at least four times) - throughout the day. Some puppies may develop an upset stomach during the first few days in a new home. Try to stick with a diet that the puppy is used to and avoid offering a variety of rich foods or overfeeding during these early days.
   
• It is essential that your puppy is provided with a nutritionally balanced diet containing high quality ingredients. The amount each puppy needs will vary with age, size, breed and activity levels. Ask your vet for advice on which diet will suit your puppy.
   
• Your puppy will receive all the exercise he needs in the house and garden during the first few weeks. Over exercise at an early age, particularly in some larger breeds, can lead to problems with bone development, if extra care is not taken.
   
• Just like a new baby, your puppy will need plenty of rest and sleep during the early stages. The new puppy should be encouraged to rest regularly in his own area of the house. Avoid letting your puppy climb the stairs or furniture and any other strenuous activity that may cause injury.