Take it nice and easy and your pup will soon feel right at home

MARTHA’S top tips for introducing a new dog into the home

1. Supervise the dog when it meets family members and other pets for the first time

Careful introductions set the scene for future interactions and help settle the dog into family life.

2. Give the dog a tour of its new home and make sure children give the dog space and time to find its feet. Stay calm and avoid over-exciting the dog.

3. Give the dog its own bed or comfy crate

Every dog needs a space that is only for him. Never disturb the dog when he is eating or sleeping and give the dog his own area for eating too. Make sure there is always clean drinking water available.

4. Take time off work to settle the dog into the new home. Living in a new environment can be stressful for dogs and they need reassurance that their new surroundings are safe.

Regular, short walks and plenty of interaction will allow them to settle as quickly as possible.

5. If introducing a second dog, do it on neutral territory, not in the home.

Dogs are instinctively territorial, so the resident dog might be insecure about his place in the pack if a new one is introduced. It’s best to let them meet outside so they both have plenty room to manoeuvre.

6. Enrol in a good puppy socialisation class

Dogs have a special sensitive period at the start of their lives. During this time, they learn to accept things around them so they are not afraid of them later in life. For puppies, this window of opportunity closes at around 12 to 16 weeks of age, so a socialisation class is great way to introduce them to new experiences.