Bringing your puppy home can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. Keep in mind that your puppy will probably be as excited as you are, and may also be fairly exhausted. There are a few things you can do to make sure your puppy's first night in it's new home is comfortable and special.

It is best to acquire your new puppy at a time when you can offer him your company and undivided attention for a few days as he settles in. If you bring him home in the morning, he will have time to settle in, feed, play and tire himself out before bedtime.

When your puppy first arrives, let him sniff around and make himself familiar with his surroundings, then introduce him to his bed.

Introducing the puppy into the household must be done with care. This is a difficult and confusing time for your puppy. Your home is a profusion of strange sights, sounds and smells that he may find exciting but a little overwhelming. He will be missing his mother, brothers and sisters and will look to you and your family to replace the company, comfort and security that he has left behind. Ask the breeder for a piece of bedding that's been in contact with the mother and puppies so the puppy has a smell of home.

Choose a name for him as soon as possible. Be consistent and use it repeatedly as you talk to him as he will soon learn to respond.

For the first few nights your puppy will probably be restless and whimper when he is left alone. A good way to ease your puppy's transition into your home is to place his bed in your bedroom so that he doesn't get too lonely.

Above all be kind, gentle and patient with your puppy during his introduction to your home. Don't scold or speak harshly to him in the first few days even if he makes a mess - in his confused state he may only learn to fear you. This initiation period should be an enjoyable time in which you and your puppy can get to know each other as he learns to trust you, thus forming the basis for a happy and loving life together.