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.
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini dry dog food is tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs while being gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Supports energy level & luxurious coat in Small & Mini dogs. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Watermelon is usually a healthy treat for dogs, but learn the tips about its safety, which parts are OK to feed your dog, and how much is a healthy amount.
Learn why dogs can be attracted to your cat's litter box, why it's important to keep them out of there and how to discourage them from this behavior.
Get helpful tips and advice on how to properly leash train your new puppy to help make your walks together safer and more enjoyable.
Learn what essential medical supplies are must-have items in a dog first-aid kit, and learn how to prepare an emergency kit in case of a natural disaster.
Learn more about the benefits and things to consider when it comes to adopting a large or giant breed dog.
Learn whether soy is a safe ingredient in dog foods, if there are any health benefits or concerns, as well as if they can have products like soy sauce.
Learn how to treat your dog without compromising its health. Get tips on how to spoil your pup without too much snacking on dog treats.
Learn about common side effects of rabies vaccine in dogs, as well as less common reactions that indicate you should bring your dog to the veterinarian.
Learn about alternative proteins in dog food, such as salmon, duck and turkey - and why it might be a good idea to try one for your dog.
Can dogs have asthma? Learn more about the clinical signs of dog asthma and how this condition is treated.
Stings can be painful and irritating to dogs. Learn about common types of stinging insects, how to identify allergic reactions and simple pain remedies.
First-time foster parents: Learn about the process of fostering a puppy or dog, including how to prepare, challenges & rewards that come with it.
It's common for dogs to eat faster than humans, but learn why exactly some dogs might eat too fast and any health issues that can come up because of it.
Learn how to recognize symptoms of stress in your dog, what common situations can cause high anxiety and tips for helping your pup relax.
Learn everything you need to know about cataracts in dogs, including common symptoms of the condition, breeds most at risk, and how they can be treated.
Discover commom causes and treatment of dog dry mouth or xerostomia to help your pup. Learn how absence of saliva may indicate severe underlying health issues.
If you're a runner and a dog parent, consider running a race with your dog! Learn how to get started, from training tips to finding dog-friendly races.
Gather the following puppy supplies to prepare your family for all the fun (and commitment) that comes with being a dog parent.
Learn how much exercise is right for your dog's breed, age & size, as well as how choosing the right dog food affects his ability to exercise & stay active
Learn how reading & understanding your puppy's body language, barking, and whining can help with his obedience training.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool