Preparing for a new puppy

Choose a sleeping area — a crate or pen in a quiet corner of a room you use — and set it up a few days early. Remove cables, house plants and anything chewable from reach, and check your garden boundaries for gaps.

The food your puppy is already eating, two bowls, a crate or bed, a soft blanket, a collar and lightweight lead, puppy pads for the journey, safe chew toys, a grooming brush, and a pet-safe cleaning product.

Limit visitors and outings for the first few days. Your puppy has just left everything familiar; a calm, predictable routine with plenty of sleep is what they need most.

Take your puppy out to the same spot in the garden frequently — after waking, eating and playing. Praise calmly when they toilet outside. Consistency matters far more than speed.

Register with a vet before your puppy arrives and book a check-up within the first few days. Take your vaccination record and microchip details with you.