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The first night

Bringing your puppy home can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. Keep in mind that your puppy will probably be as excited as you are, and may also be fairly exhausted. There are a few things you can do to make sure that your puppy's first night in his new home is special and comfortable. It is best to acquire your new puppy at a time when you can offer him your company and undivided attention for a few days as he settles in. If you bring him home in the morning, he will have had time to settle in, feed, play and tire himself out before bedtime. When your puppy first arrives, let him sniff around and make himself familiar with his surroundings; then introduce him to his bed.

Introducing the puppy into the household must be done with care. This is a difficult and confusing time for your puppy. Your home is a profusion of strange sights, sounds and smells that he may find exciting but also a little overwhelming. He will be missing his mother, brothers and sisters and will look to you and your family to replace the company, comfort and security that he has left behind. Ask the breeder for a piece of bedding that's been in contact with the mother and puppies so the puppy has a smell of home.

Choose a name for him as soon as possible. Be consistent and use it repeatedly as you talk to him - he will soon learn to respond. Young children in the family should be taught that puppies are not toys. You will find that your puppy plays vigorously for short spells and then may retire to his bed for an hour or so. Sleep is as important for your puppy as it is for a baby, so don't disturb him when he is resting.

Don't deprive established pets of your attention or they may become jealous of the new arrival. Introductions should be made gradually, on neutral territory and under constant supervision. Never leave a new puppy alone with an older cat or dog. Feed them separately until they have become friends. For the first night or two your puppy will probably be restless and whimper when he is left alone. Wrapping a water bottle and a ticking clock in a blanket and placing it in his bed can be very reassuring for the new pup. But these items shouldn't be made of rubber or plastic, or the puppy may chew them. Another way to ease your puppy's transition into your home is to place his bed in your bedroom so that he doesn't get too lonely. This is a good solution if you are comfortable with your puppy sleeping in your room on a more regular basis, as he may become accustomed to this.

Above all, be kind, gentle and patient with your puppy during his introduction to your home. Don't scold or speak harshly to him in the first few days, even if he is destructive or makes a mess - in his confused state he may only learn to fear you. This initiation period should be an enjoyable time in which you and your puppy can get to know each other and he learns to trust you, thus forming the basis for a happy life together.