I am totally confused by all of the differing advice I have been given by well meaning friends, breeder and books. With regard to diet, I have been told on the one hand to feed 4 times a day (complete puppy food x 2 times + eggs or fish or rice or cereal x 2 times) and lots of cows milk, on the other hand, complete dog food mixed with tinned meat such as pedigree chum. HELP! I have never had a dog before but have cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and 4 horses so I know how important diet is. I am also being told by friend that I am doing too much with the puppy. However I have read in Kennel Club litrature that the more you do (I don't mean exercise but socialiasing and introduction to future encounters) before the pup is 12 weeks old, the better. Any advice really appreciated. By the way, I simply want a happy dog not a champion.

Everyone has different ideas on feeding & everyone thinks their ideas are the right ones! Be prepared to be even more confused!
The first person to listen to is the breeder as chopping & changing your pup's diet may result in the runs (can never spell the D word!).
If your puppy came from a reputable breeder, you will have had a diet sheet, so stick to it.
4 times a day is right for his/her age but lots of cow's milk is not that good -IMO. Milk is a food not a drink & too much may give him/her the runs & can also result in a very fat puppy, which will not be good for his future health.
Do NOT listen to your friend who says you're doing too much with your puppy. make the most of every second he/she's a puppy - puppyhood doesn't last nearly long enough. Just make sure you use your time well & don't let him/her get away with things just because she/he's little! Also make sure he/she is gradually left alone for longer periods, so when you do have to leave him/her alone, it won't be a great big deal.
Finally - Enjoy your puppy!
PS: Champions can be happy too :D

Hi Benjamin

My advice would be to stick with the dietary recommendations that your breeder gave you when you picked up the pup, at least for the time being. If you do decide to change the diet, the best thing to do is search CD's and you'll get all sorts of comment on different types of diet and then you can weigh it all up and come to your own decisions about what you think is best.

Socialisation and introduction to new situations is very important, just watch that the pup is not getting over tired and be aware of the restrictions placed by waiting to have the vacs done and take effect. This doesn't mean you can't take pup out, just that you will have to carry it if you go away from your own home or garden.

Enjoy your new pup!

Lesley

Incase the number of replies help - I agree with what Lesley said -ESPECIALLY the socialisation bit - the vast majority of behavioural problems in dogs are due to poor socialisation, you need to pay particular attention during these early weeks, then around 12 weeks some dogs will appear to go through a fearful period - how this is handled is VITAL - don't be tempted to 'baby' the puppy - this only rewards the fearful beahaviour - keep jolly but don't push the puppy to get involved in anything they are scared of - just make sure you reward any 'brave' behaviour. There will often be another similar phase at around 6 months as well - handle this the same way.

Another thing you should consider doing, which will help you and your puppy, is to get along to a puppy school which will provide you with support from experienced trainers as well as other owners who are going through the same ups and downs, as well as advice and training on basic things we expect from the dogs who live in our homes with our families.