Introducing a new puppy can be overwhelming if you are not prepared! This post offers valuable insight and tips for creating a new puppy schedule so you do not have to stress.
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an adventure filled with so much excitement. However, in the middle of all the anticipation, it’s important to recognize the challenges that come with raising a young puppy. Without a well-crafted plan, those initial days and weeks can feel like a whirlwind. But, with some strategic planning and patience, you can navigate this new chapter with ease and confidence.
This post is all about creating a new puppy schedule
Things To Consider When Creating A Schedule
Establishing a schedule with your puppy is essential for their well-being and your sanity. Here are the top things to consider when creating a new puppy schedule.
1. Meal Times:
- Feed your puppy at consistent times each day. Puppies usually need to eat 3 times a day, depending on their age. Consult your vet for specific feeding guidelines.
2. Bathroom Breaks:
- Take your puppy outside to relieve themselves:
- First thing in the morning.
- Immediately after meals.
- Before bedtime.
- Every hour during the day (if you are home).
3. Play and Exercise:
- Puppies have lots of energy and need regular exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. Incorporate short play sessions and walks into their schedule, gradually increasing the duration as they grow.
4. Training Sessions:
- Dedicate time each day to train your puppy. Focus on basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leash walking. Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) to prevent your puppy from getting bored or overwhelmed.
5. Nap Time:
- Puppies need plenty of rest to support their growth and development. Provide a quiet and comfortable space for your puppy to nap throughout the day. Crate training can be helpful for creating a safe sleeping area.
6. Socialization:
- Expose your puppy to new experiences, people, and environments in a positive and controlled manner. Puppy socialization classes and supervised playdates with other dogs can be very beneficial for their social development.
Sample Schedule For Your New Puppy
Creating a schedule for a new puppy can help establish routines and ensure they get the care and attention they need. Here’s a basic schedule to help you customize one for your day-to-day life!
Morning Puppy Schedule
- 6:00 AM: Wake up and take the puppy outside for potty time.
- 6:10 AM: Breakfast time. Feed the puppy and offer fresh water.
- 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM: Playtime and training session. Use this time to bond with your puppy and work on basic commands. Also offer another potty break outside!
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Free play or nap time. Puppies need plenty of rest, so allow them time to relax after their morning activities.
Throughout the Day:
- Every Hour: If you are home during the day, take the puppy outside for a potty break every hour. Keep these breaks short and focused on the task at hand.
- After Eating or Drinking: Take the puppy out immediately after meals and drinking sessions.
- Supervised Play: Allow for short play sessions indoors between potty breaks
Midday Puppy Schedule
- 12:00 PM: Another potty break outside.
- 12:10 PM: Lunchtime. Feed the puppy and provide water.
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Playtime, training, or a walk.
Afternoon Puppy Schedule
- 4:00 PM: Potty break outside.
- 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Playtime or a walk. Incorporate some mental stimulation activities like puzzle toys or training exercises.
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Free play or nap time. Puppies often have bursts of energy followed by periods of rest.
Evening Puppy Schedule
- 7:00 PM: Dinner time. Feed the puppy and provide water.
- 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Evening walk. Allow the puppy to burn off excess energy and explore their surroundings.
- 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Wind-down time. Spend some quiet time with your puppy, such as gentle petting or cuddling on the couch.
- 9:00 PM: Final potty break outside.
- 9:15 PM: Bedtime. Establish a bedtime routine to help your puppy settle down for the night, such as providing a comfortable sleeping area and a favorite toy or blanket.
Adjust the schedule based on your puppy’s individual needs and your own daily routine. Always make sure food and water is picked up at least 2 hours before bedtime! Remember to be patient and consistent with training, and always provide plenty of love and attention!
{RELATED POST: The Best Time To Start Training Your Puppy}
TIPS FOR YOUR NEW PUPPY SCHEDULE
- Be consistent: Consistency is key in training. Use the same cues and rewards every time you train, and ensure that all family members are on the same page with training methods and rules.
- Start early: Begin training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. Puppies are like sponges and can start learning basic commands as early as 8 weeks old
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and toys. Always have a positive for a negative. In other words, if your puppy is doing something they shouldn’t, correct them and then redirect them to what they can/should be doing.
- Be patient and have fun: Training takes time and patience, especially with young puppies. Don’t get frustrated if your puppy doesn’t grasp a command right away. Above all, remember to enjoy the training process with your puppy. Building a strong bond and teaching your puppy new skills can be incredibly rewarding for both of you. Keep training sessions light-hearted and fun, and celebrate your puppy’s progress along the way.
This post was all about creating a new puppy schedule!
