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RULE 1: never let a puppy do anything that you would not want them doing as an adult.
It may seem funny this tiny waif growling and nipping when you are playing with it, but it's not so funny when it's an adult with teeth and jaws that are four times as strong and it suddenly decides to have a go.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

You must decide before your puppy comes home what your house rules are. Where will it sleep? Stay when you go out? What times will you feed it? Will it be allowed on the bed or furniture? How will you approach toilet training? Decide on your methods and read up as much as possible about the breed and it's temperament.

Try and be realistic, your expectations may be way out and remember, though it will grow mentally and physically much faster than a human child, it is a puppy. Your attitude and behaviour should take this into account.

Don't let your puppy get away with things because "it's still settling in" or "He's only a puppy". The first few weeks are crucial in developing the relationship between yourself and your dog, Get it right now and the rewards will be well worth the effort.

SLEEPING

Here are a few care tips that may help your puppy feel more comfortable during his first few nights. When you pick up your puppy, decide on your pups name and ask the breeder to use it often, get a soft toy or cloth that was with the puppy's mother and littermates, place it in his bed. The familiar smell will be comforting. If possible leave the bed or crate next to something warm like a radiator, or wrap up a warm hot water bottle "make sure the pup can't get at it". You can also leave a dim night-light on so the puppy can see his bowl if he becomes hungry or thirsty.

Invest in a crate. Place a sheet over the front and sides of it leaving gaps for air. The pup will soon learn that when the door is covered, it is time to sleep for the night. If it sleeps in the same area as another dog, he will settle down much quicker, taking his cue from his new friend. leave a radio on very low . Make sure the sleeping area is not drafty or cold.

Some people allow their pups to sleep in bed with them. I don't recommend this, it can cause problems later on and it will quickly become a habit that will be hard to break.

SEPARATION

Remember that for a dog of any age, being made to stay apart from its pack is a form of punishment. In the wild dogs chase away any member that behaves badly. That may be one of the reasons dogs react so strongly to being left alone. It is important that you start getting your dog used to this quickly. initially leave your puppy alone for just a few seconds, giving him a biscuit before closing the door, but do not make a fuss about it. Stand just outside the door, do not shout through it. For the first few times just count to ten then return. Quietly praise him. It is important not to go overboard when leaving or returning as this could make them more anxious.

To reinforce that he is not being punished give him a small treat when you return for the first few weeks until it is comfortable with the idea. It's a good idea to practice leaving with a distraction, at feeding times or when he is playing with something. Gradually build up the time he is alone until you can leave for at least half an hour without him getting upset. It is necessary to do this frequently to get them used to separation as early as possible. For longer periods consider the value of a dog walker or sitter.

SOCIALISATION

The first fourteen weeks of a puppy's life is crucial to its developing behaviour. Dogs that do not have enough contact with people, other dogs and animals during this vitally important time can find themselves with lifelong problems.
Try to encourage reliable friends and relatives to come and see your puppy as often as possible. However they must abide by your house rules.

Get friends who have safe and friendly inoculated dogs to visit. It is vital that your dog learns doggy etiquette and respect for older animals. It is also a good idea to introduce your puppy under supervision to cats to teach respect and tolerance.

GENERAL

Introduce puppy to as many places as you can. Teach him manners in other people's houses remember "RULE 1". Take him to a puppy class as soon as you can.

Many classes start puppy socialisation from ten to eighteen weeks of age. ideally they should not have more than 10 dogs or allow dogs over 18 weeks of age .You won't get this time again, your dog is so receptive and eager to please, so make the most of it!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Expose your pups to as much everyday life as possible; other animals, people, children, traveling, hoovering, bangs, clatters put t-shirts on them, handle them, take them to meet the vet. Remember they are dogs not children treat them as such and you will find them far more responsive.

Give him some respect and time out he needs lots of sleep, don't disturb him during this time.

Don't buy a dog on impulse, do you really want a dog? What breed? How much exercise will It need? Have you the space for it? Can you give it the time it needs? Think long and hard before you commit yourself, a dog is for life and rescue centers are full of dogs that started as good intentions. Think about a rescue dog.

Your dog is also a joy, a friend and companion that cannot be equaled, it will become part of your family and your life. Your whole perspective will change, and sometimes despite you, it will adore, love and cherish you, like nothing else on Earth.

Paul Rawlinson Dog Behavioural Specialist

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