There is a lot that your new puppy has to learn.  You have to establish a routine, including times he will be left alone, play time and sleep time.

Leaving puppy alone

There are times when puppy will be left alone – if only when you go out to the shops.  Start by leaving him alone in one room or his crate for short periods.

• Go outside for a little while.
• Gradually extend this time, extending the puppy’s confidence that you will return.
• Do not fuss puppy immediately on your return, wait a minute for him to calm down, then call him over for a fuss.

Play time

Playing is a good time to bond with puppy.

• Make sure that you control the game, and you decide when the fun starts and stops.
• Use safe dog toys for play, and not the children’s toys.
• Avoid wrestling and tug-of-war games as these encourage competition between you and puppy, which may lead to dominance or aggression.
• Do not let children play with puppy at this stage.
• Wriggling your fingers in front of puppy’s face should be avoided as  this may encourage a bite.
• Do not play with puppy just before a sleep time as this may make him hyper at a time when he needs calm.

Sleep time

Puppy will need periods of uninterrupted sleep during the day as well as night.

• Wait until you think he is likely to settle down, then calmly put him is his bed or crate and leave him.
• He may whine of make a fuss, it is important to ignore this behaviour.
• He should soon go to sleep if he is tired.

…  Anne