If buying a puppy a box or travel container will be needed in which to place the puppy while travelling. For older dogs a travel container, dog guard or car harness will be needed.

When collecting a puppy or dog it is a good idea to place old item of clothing with the dog or puppy as this will give it chance to get used to the scent of its new owner on the way home and is the start of getting the puppy or dog to feel comfortable with its new owner. A suitable toy should also be placed with the dog or puppy to take its mind off the journey.

A puppy unused to travelling may well urinate, defecate or vomit when travelling in the car and so it is wise to take paper or tissues for the journey as it may be necessary to stop and clean up the puppy and box or container. The puppy may well bark or whine at first, but if left alone it should then settle to sleep after a while.

On arrival home with a new dog or puppy it should be taken taken to the garden to relieve itself, unless strange dogs have had access to the garden in which case a puppy will need a "clean" spot where it can relieve itself until its first course of vaccinations have been completed. This could be some sheets of newspaper or puppy training pads placed by the door to the garden. When a puppy does relieve itself it should be praised as this is the first step to toilet training.

The dog or puppy should then be allowed to quietly investigate the home and members of the family. The temptation to fuss and "over crowd" the dog or puppy should be avoided, instead let it investigate and introduce itself at its own pace so that it can build up its confidence in its new environment. Remember this is a stressful time for a new puppy or dog - they have been taken away from familiar surroundings and moved to a new house with a new family and patience is needed.

If the dog is wary of approaching other members of the family a toy or treat should prompt them to investigate each member individually.

The dog or puppy should be introduced to other pets cautiously as older pets may resent the new addition or may harm the new dog, particularly a puppy with rough play unintentionally. With cats it is a good idea to trim the front claws before introducing them to a new puppy. It is best to supervise socialising with other pets for at least the first week.