To get your certificate for one-year free insurance, you only need to make sure that Dogs Trust Malta has actually checked and confirmed it has received the necessary socialisation and habituation that is part of the Puppy Plan.

However, you’ll need to do something else if you really want a dog that is easier to live with and take out with you as well. You need to finish the remaining eight weeks of the Puppy Plan or it may very well result that all the good work done so far goes to waste.

It is better if you continue introducing new people and a variety of them: tall, short, wide, loud, coloured, bearded, small or squeaky. Just remember that to a dog the slightest difference matters.

If the dog’s never seen a person with a hat or a helmet, he will probably tend to act defensively or avoid them in the future. However, remember not to encourage them now to do things you won’t like in the future, such as jumping on people. Make sure people bend down to touch the puppy rather than vice versa.

Start on the right paw when introducing people who will be helping you care for your animal. The vet, the groomer and your boarding service of choice will be very grateful when your dog grows up to think they are his buddies rather than the enemy. Always make their first visit short and pleasant and remember it is not the time to clip, cut or sting anything; it is only time to play,get treats and have fun.

You need to continue getting them used to the different household sounds, some scary sounds and maybe sounds you know he’ll need to be OK with later, such as the background noise found in dog shows, markets and crowded places. This will also help you keep their attention during training as they’ll start to regard these as white noise.

Make sure you continue giving them problem-solving activities to condition their brains to the process of learning. In so doing, you’ll also be providing opportunities for your dog to settle down in your presence, behave calmly when handled and spending time alone. This is perhaps what most people forget to do in all the excitement of getting a new puppy.

We couldn’t possibly tell you everything from week nine to 16, but you can go to www.dogtrainingmadeeasy.org, click on the Puppy Plan tab and visit the new owner’s section to find out how to give your best friend the best possible start.

Call Dogs Trust Malta on 2142 1500 or 7771 1100 to find out more.