Both you and your pup have a lot to learn when it comes to good training. It’s best to get started the moment your puppy’s little paws touch the carpet otherwise it may end up picking up some very bad habits and breaking every rule in the book. Disciplining a puppy isn’t going to do it any harm. In fact it’s much likelier to be a happier dog in the long run if it learns what good behaviour is and what bad behaviour is at an early age. It’s very tempting to give in to that sweet, wrinkly face filled with such love and adoration that it seems cruel to deny it the chance to sleep on your lap, or that tid bit from the dinner table. The trouble is, dogs are far too clever for their own good and once you start, they’re going to learn to expect it in the future.

One of the most important things to do is ensure that anything you don’t want to be chewed to teeny tiny pieces is well out of harm’s way. Dogs, young or old, love to tear things apart no matter how many hundreds of pounds it cost you. Puppies have no concept of value. You have to establish the boundaries and most importantly you have to stick to them, otherwise the poor thing is going to get confused and you’re going to get angry when he or she doesn’t understand what they’re doing wrong.

Give your puppy plenty of toys to chew, a warm bed and of course, food and water. It’s also a good idea to place newspaper or any old paper on the floor until the puppy is well potty trained. Make it feel safe and secure. For the first few nights it’s probably going to whine and cry, but it will get used to the idea of being alone and learn that this is not something to be frightened about.

Patience and understanding are the most important things. Your pup might not get things straight away, but remember to keep trying. It will get it eventually!

There are also plenty of puppy books and accessories to make puppy training just a little bit easier.