• If your puppy is lucky enough to be one of those who is allowed free access to the house, then you need to demarcate a sleeping area and a feeding area for him. Pet shops have an array of dog beds you can choose from in different sizes to suit different breeds. If your budget doesn’t permit a dog bed, it’s okay. You don’t need a fancy bed or anything – a crate, a couple of comfy cushions or a thick sheet will do. Train your pup to sleep in the demarcated area otherwise you’re going to have him jumping up on your sofas or onto your bed. If you don’t mind him doing that it’s okay, but if you do, then train him right at the beginning.

• Do ensure that all wires – telephone, TV, electrical appliances etc are out of reach for the pup. Puppies love chewing when they are young and chances are they will go for any wires that are hanging enticingly around. This could result in your pup getting electrocuted. It’s imperative that you buy some chewy toys to keep your puppy occupied (these are available at any pet shop). This way, your wiring, footwear, newspapers etc are safe from the clutches of your puppy’s destructive mode! Make sure to check with your vet as to what chewies and toys you can buy for a puppy. If the chewies are too small they could choke on them. The toys have to be tough and resilient so that the puppy doesn’t end up swallowing bits that could be poisonous to him or her.

• Having pristine white upholstery is a bad idea when you keep a dog. One jump with his muddy paws and that white cover is going to look like a mess! Opt for dark-coloured upholstery. Do pay attention to the flooring in your house – if you have marble floors or smooth tiles, avoid having a large dog. They find it difficult to balance on slippery floors and many develop bowlegs or even slip and fracture their legs.

• Keep all trash cans out of the puppy’s reach. They are bound to go and explore trash cans and will upturn them and create a mess. Not only that, if the trash has razor blades, medicines, or any other stuff that is poisonous or dangerous to dogs, you will have a medical emergency on hand.

• Keep the bathroom door shut and the toilet seat cover down. A nosy puppy could jump into the bowl and drown. Ensure the front door is shut always so that your puppy doesn’t escape.

Just a little attention, caring and common sense will do the trick and your home will be ready to welcome a little puppy with wide-open arms!