and call him by his name. Throw a little titbit into his box or basket to tempt him into it, but avoid feeding him sweets, cakes and chocolate, which is poisonous to dogs. Treats should consist of tiny morsels of cooked meat, liver or very small pieces of dog biscuit.
You should feed your puppy four small meals a day. His stomach is still very small, but as he grows the meals can get smaller in number but larger in quantity. By the time he is between six and eight months, he can be fed just twice a day.
Initially, continue to give him the food recommended by the breeder, but you can gradually change it to whatever you have opted to use,. However, don’t do this too quickly, otherwise an upset stomach will ensue. Don’t offer the puppy cow’s milk unless his breeder has given it to him from birth – some dogs find it difficult to digest. Your vet can supply you with a milk substitute which is adequate, if necessary. A dog can live a perfectly healthy life drinking only water.
Your puppy will need several small meals a day while he is still very young. Decrease the number gradually as he grows older.
Start training
It is never too early to start training and socializing your puppy, and there are some important things you need to start doing as soon as you bring him home. He will learn quickly and will soon get used to the new routine.
Using a crate
To get your puppy accustomed to going into his crate, simply feed him inside it. Give him the same command each time: ‘In your box’. Leave the door open to start with as you want to get him used to going in and out without any stress. After about three days, shut him in for five to ten minutes and then gradually increase the length of time he is confined each day to about one hour. He will eventually travel happily in the crate or go in of his own accord for short periods of rest or sleep – the crate will become his den where he can escape from the busy world. Have it fitted with a water dispenser, but don’t keep him confined for too long.
Using a puppy pen
You can also start to train him into his puppy pen; this will be a godsend when you want to vacuum the carper – he’ll probably want to kill the vacuum cleaner – or need to pop out to the shops for half an hour. A puppy pen will keep him safe and secure. He can have his bed, toys and a water bowl inside, and watch everything that is going on around him without feeling isolated. Again, don’t be too long or he will become anxious.
The first night
Before you put your puppy into his bed for the night, take him outside, wait for him to perform and then praise him enthusiastically. Spread sheets of clean newspaper all round the area where he sleeps. This is the beginning of house training, and the puppy will not want to soil his bedding. The first couple of nights are often quite difficult for both of you. Your puppy may squeak and howl with loneliness, and I am afraid that you must harden your heart because if you go to him he is, in effect, training you to come at his beck and call.
Your puppy will be safe in a puppy pen, which you can move around the house or garden. He can relax and watch the outside world.
Helpful tips for bedtime
• Place a ticking clock near to the puppy’s bed
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