Puppy Schedule

Puppy Schedule
Like most babies, puppies thrive with routine!

6:00 A.M.  OUT TO POTTY
Pick them up out of the crate, do not talk to them or excite them.  Once they are outside with feet in the grass, ask them repeatedly to "go potty".  Rewarding them with an enthusiastic YES when they do.  Remember to keep fun and distractions to a minimum until they have done their business adequately.  

6:15 A.M.  BREAKFAST 
We never recommend measuring your puppy's food, unless weight becomes an issue as they age.  The one exception to this rule is raw feeding.  Puppies go through different growth stages and will eat more or less as needed in each stage.  If kibble feeding, we recommend a 2-4 cup food bowl to be filled and left with the puppy for 10-15 minutes to eat and drink what they want in that time.  Feedings should take place in a quiet area, free from distractions.  We highly recommend feeding meals in the crate for the first few weeks.

6:30 A.M.  OUT TO POTTY

We know mornings are super busy, but this is a great time to fit in a quick five-minute training session.  If you don’t have time for training, be sure to provide your puppy with plenty of toys and stimulation to start their day off right.  Although we do not recommend playing fetch in the house, a rolling ball or interactive toy can be a great play item on busy mornings.

6:45 A.M.  OUT TO POTTY

7:00  A.M.  OUT TO POTTY

7:30 A.M.  OUT TO POTTY

8:00 A.M.  OUT TO POTTY
If you are not available to take your puppy out frequently around feeding times as listed, we highly recommend having a playpen set up in your home on a hard surface floor with a litter box or potty pads.  Make sure that your puppy has ample opportunity to go out and potty for two hours after eating or drinking.  DO NOT SET YOUR PUPPY UP FOR FAILURE!  They are really trying, but do not have the physical ability to hold their bladder or bowels for prolonged periods of time until 16-18 weeks of age.

9:00 A.M.  OUT TO POTTY 

Morning is a great time to get out and about for an adventure!  Your puppy is well rested, well fueled and ready to learn!  Go out for a walk, take a trip to the store, get out the Puppy Socialization Guide and check off some boxes.  But remember when they are young, a late morning nap time can be essential.  We recommend putting your puppy in their crate for all of their naps.  

10:00 A.M. OUT TO POTTY & NAPTIME

12:00 P.M.  OUT TO POTTY & LUNCH
We forgo a mid day meal for some mid day training.  A small amount of raw, freeze dried food or kibble can be fed from hand while working with your puppy on some quick and basic commands.  This is a perfect time to play some crate games!

12:30 P.M.  OUT TO POTTY

1:00 P.M.  OUT TO POTTY

2:00 P.M.  OUT TO POTTY

Mid afternoon, your puppy will be ready to settle in for a nice long nap!  Make sure they have had ample opportunity to potty and then place them into their crate for a nice long nap.  Nap time is essential for their rapidly growing mind and body, the crate is always the best space for a nap.  Just remember if they are crying in the crate make them wait until they settle down to get out, do not reinforce bad behavior.  A brief pause is all there needs to be when they are little. 

After a good nap, your puppy will be refreshed, this is a great time for further training and more adventures.  Sometimes adventures are simply riding in the car to pick kids up from school.  Getting your puppy out into the world on a daily basis is wonderful socialization for them.  Remember, whether it is social outings or active training, short and sweet can’t be beat! 

4:00 P.M.  OUT TO POTTY

5:00 P.M.  DINNER

5:15 P.M. OUT TO POTTY

5:30 P.M.  OUT TO POTTY

5:45 P.M.  OUT TO POTTY

6:00 P.M.  OUT TO POTTY

6:30 P.M.  OUT TO POTTY

7:00 P.M.  OUT TO POTTY

8:00 P.M. OUT TO POTTY

9:00 P.M.  OUT TO POTTY & BEDTIME

We recommend making puppies bedtime the same as yours, it will ensure that you both get the best night's sleep possible.  In our home, your puppy was used to bedtime being around 8 o’clock, same as our human children.  Just make sure not to offer your puppy any food or water a minimum of 3 hours before bedtime. Have a fan running in the room to drown out other noises all night long.  Play some classical music for 30 minutes after they are tucked in for the night and don't forget to place a scent saturated item in the crate with them for the first few days. Also, if you notice they are getting sleepy and crashing out on the living room floor, take them to their crate.  Sometimes puppies want to take a nice long nap in the evening so they can be ready to party all night.  Keep them active and stimulated in the hours following dinner so they are ready for bed.  At times, puppies can be quite the handful, if you need a break, their crate is always a safe place and there is no guilt in taking their crate to a different area of the house for them to have their fit and make your night a bit more peaceful.  Trust me we have all done it!  Just remember each day they get a little older, they grow a little bigger, they learn a little more and it won’t be this way for long.

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