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'

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.


The first year of your puppy's life is the most important.
And so is his first food.
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 much better 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, 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.

Puppy food is available in wet or dry forms, and what you choose will largely depend on yours and your puppy's preference. But take care that you choose a food that gives him everything he needs to grow and develop to his full potential. Look for foods that are 'complete'. This means you can feed it without the need for supplements or additional food.

As with our own food, pet food varies in quality, so make sure you read the packaging to see what benefits it offers your puppy. Some foods contain antioxidants to protect the immune system. You should always check that the food doesn't contain any excesses. For example, too much salt is harmful for the kidneys and bladder, and too much calcium may be harmful to bone development. If in any doubt at all - ask your vet's advice.

Whatever food you choose, you'll need a couple of good quality, non-tippable feeding bowls; one for food and the other for water. A feeding mat is also a good idea to protect the floor.

Dry or wet?
Dry food is made up of small biscuits called kibbles. It's very convenient to serve and keeps well. It's also cost effective, as you can buy it in large bags. As long as the food you choose is "complete", it will contain everything your pet needs, with no need to feed any other type of food alongside. If you want to add variety you could feed a complete wet food alongside the dry. But always make sure you check the correct feeding amounts to avoid over feeding.

Wet foods are available in cans or pouches, and a good quality, complete wet food will also provide your pet with all the nutrients he needs. It's a little less cost effective than dry, but many owners like to offer it alongside dry food to provide variety.

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 right 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.