Puppies don't come with a set of instructions
A new puppy in the house is fun and exciting, but just like
a new baby, he doesn't come with an instruction manual. So
we've put together a few basic essentials you'll need to know
to help you in the early days and weeks.
Love and affection
Your puppy will find the move from his litter to your home
exciting, but it can also be quite overwhelming. He'll need
lots of attention, reassurance and tender loving care to help
him settle in. He'll crave attention, and you must give him as
much as possible at this stage. Praise him all the time and
call him by his name. Show him you love him, but at the same
time, if he does anything unacceptable, stop him with a firm
'NO' (read more about
early training) 
Sounds and Scents
Some puppies miss the familiar smells and sounds of their
litter, and if your puppy seems unsettled it may help to use a
special pheromone spray called DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone)
which gives a sense of familiar well-being to your puppy. But
always use sparingly and in moderation because it's important
for your puppy to get used to his new environment. It may also
be useful to play a radio on low volume near his bed throughout
the night.
Bedtime
Just like babies, puppies need their sleep, so it's
important to provide a warm, quiet place for him to rest in
during the day as well as at night. Family life can seem
overwhelming for a small puppy and he'll need some time on his
own. Put his bed somewhere he will feel safe and secure.
Puppies often like an enclosed space to sleep in, so you might
opt for a puppy crate. You can put a soft bed inside it and
it'll double up as a safe haven when he wants some peace and
quiet.
Food for thought
When you first bring your puppy home, it's best to carry on
feeding him the food he's been used to. But not all puppy foods
are the same; some provide higher quality ingredients than
others, so you might want to gradually change your puppy over
to a food that your vet recommends. You'll need to do this over
five to seven days, and your vet will advise you on this, but
essentially all you do is mix the new food into her current
food in gradually increasing amounts until only the new food is
fed. (read more about
transitioning to a new food)
Hill's puppy food
Hill's puppy food is specially formulated to make sure your
pet gets the right balance of nutrients. It contains the
correct balance of all the vitamins and minerals to help
puppies reach their full potential. It also contains natural
DHA for better brain and visual development.
Great tasting and available in both dry and tins, your puppy
will love every meal. Click here for information on
Hill's puppy food.