Trains and boats and ‘planes – well OK, trains and buses so far. We will add boats at some point, ‘planes, probably not, as he will hopefully be a blood donor, although living ten miles from Heathrow we see and hear our fair share.

As a non-driver, it was important for me to accustom my puppy to travelling on public transport as soon as possible. I had planned to gradually introduce him to the tube from a distance and then just watch the trains go by from the platform, but it proved unnecessary. He wasn’t in the least bothered by the noisy rattling and whistles as the Piccadilly Line tubes roared through nor by the loud rumbling of the heavier District Line stock.

So, as with everything else, he came out in a sling and then was carried in a basket until he finally managed  to negotiate transport on his own – with a little judicious carrying on the stairs and on and off trains.

His agenda was:

a) To eat anything and everything on the floor

b) To greet anyone and everyone regardless of their opinion on the matter.

My agenda was to teach him to tuck himself out of the way and settle down.

I have to say, whilst other things have been challenging, travel on public transport has been pretty easy so far. He will often lie down and snooze and he really isn’t bothered when it gets very crowded. How much longer I will be able to carry him up stairs or lift him on and off trains is another matter though. It is a real delight when we find stations with step-free access – and lifts don’t bother him either.

Next week: Horse, what horse?

Meanwhile, why not check out R+Dog Training Puppy Start Right Courses and register for the new Puppy Social Walk in Chiswick House grounds starting in a few days.