Bringing a new pet into your life can bring loads of excitement. You'll be engulfed by the cuteness of those cute, beautiful eyes. However, it would be best if you were prepared for the arrival of the family's latest member.

Before the puppy arrives home, a safety check should be carried out, and the house prepared to make it safer for the new member of the family:

• Avoid having small objects within reach of the puppy that it can swallow.
• Try to keep all cleaning products stored in a safe place.
• Take a look at your garden, as some houseplants can be toxic to the puppy.
• Avoid having cables within reach of the puppy.

Take away everything that you don’t want to be destroyed by the puppy.

 The family and the new member!

With a new member in the family, it is necessary to assign roles to take care of him. Parents taking care of the puppy will be the best example for children to learn; remember that having a pet is a long-term commitment to care and affection.

The first thing that the adults of the house should do is make their children aware of all the puppy's needs. Once the little ones in the house are taught that the puppy needs food, exercise, care and a lot of love. Children will learn to be responsible pet owners simply by observing their parents' behaviour.

The first 48 hours

With the new member in the family, some adjustment time will be necessary. We share some practical tips to make this a learning stage full of memorable moments.

• Plan ahead. Have the food, toys, pee mat, bed, treats for the arrival of the puppy prepared in advance.
• Buy the cage in advance if you are planning to cage train your puppy and start the training the first day of its arrival. Add some treats in the cage for the puppy to know that it's the safe place and somewhere it wants to be.
• Do not exercise the puppy too much in the first month of their lives. 

• Dedicate time. The best time to bring your new dog is at the beginning of the weekend. This will give you time to familiarise your dog with his new home. Children can be incredibly excited, showing them how to play quietly.
• Feed your puppy. Put the food and its food and water bowl in the fixed place to establish a routine. If the puppy doesn't eat, you can try moistening the food with a little warm water.
• Visit the vet to start a medical history for future reference.
• Start socialising your puppy as soon as your vet approves. Take him for walks and introduce him to new people and other dogs. This way he will learn to be a "good citizen", it will give him confidence and help him learn about social behaviour.