Bringing a new puppy home is full of excitement and new experiences, so it’s easy to overlook one of the most important steps: setting up a consistent routine. A solid structure helps your new canine family member feel secure and understand what’s expected. The best way to achieve this is by establishing a schedule and sticking to it. The first few weeks with your puppy are crucial for encouraging good behaviors. And it’s not just the puppy that benefits from a schedule it can make life much simpler for everyone in the family. You don’t need to plan every moment of your puppy’s day, but a routine in certain key areas can make the difference between a well-adjusted dog and chaos.
Your Puppy’s Feeding Schedule
Unlike adult dogs that eat once or twice daily, most puppies need three meals a day to support their growth. You can make it easier to remember by scheduling their meals around your own breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Be sure to keep their water bowl clean and filled with fresh water at all times.
Potty Break Schedule
Stick to a consistent routine by taking your puppy outside every two to four hours and after any change in activity. This is especially crucial during housetraining and helps to minimize accidents.
Playtime Is Essential!
Your puppy needs regular exercise and engaging interaction with you. While vigorous exercise like long runs or jumping is not ideal for puppies, gentler play, mental stimulation, and some time romping in the yard are excellent. Some experts recommend waiting until a dog is around one year old before beginning intense exercise, though this varies by breed since different breeds have unique energy levels and growth timelines. Puppies benefit from several shorter play sessions throughout the day rather than one long one. Include activities like a neighborhood walk, toy play, and bonding time to help them expend energy.
Naps and Bedtime
Young puppies need a lot of sleep often as much as 16 to 18 hours a day. Plan for multiple quiet nap times throughout the day. Teach family members, especially children, not to disturb the puppy during naps, as uninterrupted rest is crucial. Setting up a crate in a quiet area can help provide a restful environment away from household distractions.
For nighttime, some pet parents set a regular bedtime, while others let the puppy adjust to their own sleeping schedule. Establishing a bedtime routine can be helpful in getting your puppy used to consistent rest.
Should I Create a Schedule for My Puppy?
Creating a daily schedule will help your puppy settle into their new family life more easily. Routine benefits everyone by clarifying expected behaviors and easing adjustment. Remember, behaviors that seem cute in a young puppy may be less charming as they grow up! A sample schedule is a great starting point, but feel free to adjust it to meet your puppy’s needs. Should I Create a Schedule for My Puppy?
Sample Puppy Schedule
- First Thing in the Morning: Take your puppy outside to relieve themselves. Afterward, spend some time playing and bonding with them to start the day on a positive note.
- Breakfast Time: Feed your puppy and leave the food down for no more than 15 minutes. After that, pick up the bowl and refrain from additional food until the next meal, aside from small training treats. Also, clean their water bowl and provide fresh water.
- Post-Breakfast: Puppies often need to go outside again shortly after eating, so take them out for another potty break. Spend a few moments on play or brief training sessions, and if possible, take a quick walk before everyone heads off for work or school to give them a final opportunity to relieve themselves.
- Mid-Morning: Use this time for a nap, ideally in a crate or pen. Even if you’re home, crate time helps your puppy learn how to be comfortable alone. Crates also offer a safe spot when you need to step away briefly. If your puppy will be home longer than they can comfortably hold it, set up a pen with an area for relieving themselves or arrange for a pet sitter to provide a potty break.
- Noon: Repeat the morning routine — take them out after waking up, then offer lunch followed by another outdoor potty break. Spend a bit of time with your puppy, whether playing or training, to give them a chance to expend energy. And one more potty trip before their afternoon nap!
- Mid-Afternoon: Once your puppy wakes up, head outside for another potty break, then enjoy a play session and short training period. Afterward, you can let them relax with you until dinner.
- Dinner: Coordinating their mealtime with yours is helpful. Feed them while you’re preparing or enjoying dinner, but stay attentive so you can take them outside once they finish. Before sitting down to eat, give your puppy a chew toy to enjoy in their crate, which keeps them from getting underfoot and helps resist any temptation to share table scraps.
- Evening: Another potty break! The early evening is a great time for lots of interaction. For many puppies, this is an active “witching hour,” and initiating play at this time can help settle them down. If they’re still lively after play, give them a treat and let them rest in their crate for a while. Later, an evening stroll provides exercise and another potty opportunity before winding down.
- Bedtime: A consistent bedtime will ease the adjustment process for your puppy. It doesn’t matter if it’s 8 p.m. or midnight as long as it’s routine. Guide them to their crate and help them settle in for the night.
- Nighttime: If your puppy is still young and unable to hold it through the night, set an alarm to take them out for a quick, no-frills potty break before any whining or barking occurs. Afterward, head back to bed to be well-rested for another day.
By establishing a steady routine from the start, you’re setting the foundation for a happy, well adjusted dog. Investing this time and effort now will prevent undesirable habits and behaviors from developing. Following CKC’s advice, you’ll be well-prepared to welcome a wonderful, well-trained companion into your family.