Puppy Guide

• • A short guide to breeds
  • Canine ailments
  • Choosing the right kennels
  • Dealing with emergencies
  • Dealing with medicines
  • Eyes and ears
  • Housetraining your puppy
  • How vets can help
  • Keeping your puppy clean
  • Looking after your puppy
  • Oral hygiene
  • Playing with your puppy
  • Puppy - 8 key facts
  • Puppy Proof your home
  • Obedience and socialisation
  • Travel with your dog
  • Vaccinations
  • Walkies

Your puppy is going to get his nose into everything, so try to make his environment as safe as you can. However, accidents happen when you least expect them, so take out a pet insurance policy to protect you and your pet.

House rules
Set these early and stick to them rigidly - do not confuse your puppy by having one set of rules one day and another the next. In the early days you can even use pet barriers to prevent him straying into areas of the house you want to keep 'puppy-free'. Make sure you keep all potentially harmful products such as chemical cleaners out of his way. Electric cables should also be securely tucked away to stop him pulling and chewing them. He'll also happily chew a variety of objects you'd rather he didn't. So keep him supervised, put things out reach and always leave chew toys handy.

Garden rules
You can't keep an eye on your dog all the time, so secure the boundaries of your garden to prevent escape.Also create a safe and hygienic toilet away from the children's playing area. Cover any potential hazards such as ponds, particularly while he's young and remove any poisonous plants - your local garden centre will be able to give you more advice. While you are there ask about pet-safe pesticides and garden products.