Training Video: What to do on your puppy's first day at home

Your puppy's first day at home: Top tips

Your puppy is likely to be unsettled in its new environment, especially in the first 24 hrs, and this can lead to the puppy turning its nose up at the first meals you give to them.

This is obviously going to cause long-term problems, not just for your puppy’s overall health but also when you try to use food in training.

So, follow these steps;

- Stick to the timings and food advised by the breeder.

- Feed your puppy in an area with minimal distractions which is relatively small. An open crate is a good idea.

- Leave the food down for approximately 5 minutes. After this time, take the bowl away. If your puppy is still eating, then you can leave the food down until it finishes. If it wanders off and loses interest, clear the bowl away.

- Do not offer any more food until the next mealtime including treats. They are a bonus and not a necessity. If your new puppy is fussy or picky with its meals, try not to treat them.

Toilet training should start from the get go. After your puppy eats or wakes up, take them out to the toilet. Outside of this, set an alarm on your phone to take your pup out every 30-45 mins. Small dogs 30 mins and bigger ones 45 mins.

Try to avoid puppy pads or putting newspapers on the floor. They are counterproductive. If you must leave them down, put them right by the back door.

Get your pup acquainted to your home slowly and gradually, making sure you've create a safe, hazard free space. Restrict your dog's access to the wider home and allow it to learn slowly the rules of your home.

Puppy pens are perfect for this when you can’t directly supervise your pup. Just make sure they have some toys or chews to keep them occupied. The most important reason to restrict your puppy’s freedoms is to avoid them developing dependency issues.

Although important, take your time with socialising at first. Politely ask eager friends and family to stay away for a few days. Give your pup time to settle into the rhythm and flow of your home.

Have fun, play games and most of all enjoy cuddles with your new pup. But make sure you give it time to entertain itself. This is so important in its development. Explain to and monitor children, so the pup isn’t constantly pestered.

Bedtime and crate training is another form of training that can begin from the get go. Create a routine that your dog can through repetition find comfort in. There are many places in which your puppy can sleep, including a crate which involves persistent crate training.