The first few days and weeks with your new puppy

Your puppy may be feeling stressed by the new sights, sounds and smells, and the separation from their mother. So keep your house very calm to avoid adding to this stress.

As soon as you get home, take your puppy to your garden or outside area so they can go to the toilet. If they manage to go, reward them with a positive tone in your voice.

After your puppy’s been outside, take them inside to a safe area that you’ve blocked off and let them begin sniffing and exploring in their own time.

Make sure you supervise your puppy at all times as they’re getting used to your home and garden. Allow your puppy to come to you for comfort rather than the other way around, as some puppies may easily become overwhelmed by too much human contact.

Put something that carries your scent in your puppy’s bed and a blanket to snuggle into. Placing a clock with a loud tick nearby can also help as it mimics their mother’s heartbeat.

A crate is better than a basket for your puppy’s bed initially as they can see and smell you but can’t wander off. At first, put it somewhere near where you sleep.

If your puppy whines and you think they may need the toilet, put on their lead and take them out to their toileting area. If you think they’re lonely or scared, speak to them in a calm, reassuring voice but don’t touch or play with them. Too much fuss when they whine may lead to attention-seeking behaviour, however ignoring your puppy could cause anxiety and frustration.

Young puppies have no bladder control and need to go to the toilet immediately after eating, drinking, sleeping or playing. Take your puppy to the same toilet spot outside first thing in the morning, after each meal and nap and before bedtime, and use the same simple command such as ‘toilet’ or ‘fast’. Also watch for signs your puppy needs the toilet such as them spinning around or sniffing the floor.

Make sure you feed your puppy at the same times in the same place each day, so they know when to expect it. By the time you take your puppy home, they should be weaned and most will be having three meals a day.

Physical exercise is a vital part of your puppy’s daily routine to help them stay in good health. Once they’ve been vaccinated, they can go on walks. Take them twice a day but limit each walk to 15 minutes initially.

Although you must be gentle with your puppy, it’s important you’re consistent from the outset so they understand house rules such as no climbing on the sofa.

Once your puppy’s had their vaccinations, regular classes are a great way to help socialise them and establish good behaviour. Remember to practice what you learn at classes each day too.

Plenty of exercise before bedtime will help your puppy to sleep, so it’s a good idea if their second walk of the day is later at night.

If you take your puppy for a walk just before bedtime, they’ll have chance to go to the toilet then. If you don’t, you’ll need to take your puppy outside to their regular toilet spot at bedtime. Young puppies will also need to be taken out to the toilet around every three hours during the night.

At first, it’s best for your puppy to sleep in a crate near where you sleep. But keep interaction to a minimum once you’ve put them to bed. Soothe them with a reassuring voice if they whine, but don’t cuddle them, and stay calm and quiet if you take them to the toilet.

Ask your vet for advice on the best type of collar and lead for your puppy. A retractable lead is useful at first so the collar doesn’t constantly pull on your puppy’s neck. Make sure the collar fits well and can’t slip over their head.

Let your puppy get used to the collar and lead where they’re comfortable. Gradually shorten the lead and encourage your puppy to follow you. Rather than pulling on the lead, bend down each time you change direction and encourage them to join you.

For your puppy’s first walk outdoors, choose a quiet area where they’re not likely to be scared by loud noises or busy footpaths.

Limit your puppy’s first walk to around five to ten minutes so they don’t become overtired or overwhelmed. You can build it up to 15 to 20 minutes over the coming days and weeks.