Bringing home a new puppy is exciting for everyone, but as you get swept up in the fun of it all, it’s easy to forget about establishing a clear routine. Structure is vital for your new arrival as it will help them understand boundaries and learn what behaviors are expected.
You don’t need an hour-by-hour schedule for your puppy. Instead, it would be best if you created a stable routine in the essential areas of your pup’s life to give them a sense of balance and security. Here’s how.
1. Feed Your Puppy Multiple Times Daily
While older dogs are happy to eat twice a day, young puppies require more frequent access to food. Between six and 12 weeks of age, feed your puppy four times per day; from three to six months, feed them three times per day.
To establish a good routine, work their meals around your own breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This will provide a nicely spaced structure and all the nutrition they need. When you feed them, ensure you purchase puppy-specific food pouches designed to fulfil their needs at this stage of life.
Puppy foods contain higher fat and protein levels to support this early stage of growth. They also carry nutrients like DHA, which is an omega acid that would have been present in their mother’s milk.
Ensure that you also clean and empty their water dish at a few key points during the day; you wouldn’t want to drink stagnant water, and neither do they. Keeping their water fresh can encourage them to drink more and keep your dog hydrated.
2. Schedule Potty Breaks Based on Age
Scheduling adequate toilet breaks for your puppy is essential for balancing their wellbeing and keeping your home accident-free. In general, a puppy can hold its bladder for around one hour for every month of its age.
This means that a three-month-old puppy requires a toilet break every three hours. In addition, allow your puppy to go outside first thing in the morning, following a play session, and after eating.
It’s a good idea to designate a toileting spot in your garden as dog poop contains several bacteria and pathogens that can contaminate your soil and water supply. Opt for a space away from veggie gardens or delicate plants and reward your puppy whenever they relieve themselves there.
Removing your puppy’s water bowl about two hours before bedtime can reduce the likelihood of them needing the toilet during the night, when most pups can hold their bladder for around seven hours. Still, if they do wake up, take them outside with minimal fuss so that you don’t confuse it with playtime.
3. Establish a Bedtime Routine Early
Your dog’s schedule will revolve around sleep for the first few months of their life. The average puppy sleeps anywhere between 15 to 20 hours per day as its immune system and muscles continue to develop.
To help establish a good bedtime routine, ensure you turn off all lights and devices (such as TVs and computers) when you go to bed, so that your pet understands it is time to sleep. Establishing this routine can give your puppy structure and help ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
However, your puppy will need to make up their sleep with daytime naps. It’s easy for other people in the house, particularly children, to disturb them during this time, so try setting up a specific spot that is quiet and cozy.
Adding a crate and some blankets to a quiet part of your home is a good idea. When your puppy gets sleepy, try guiding them to this spot so that they can enjoy a peaceful sleep.
4. Play with Your Puppy Throughout the Day
Playtime is an essential part of a puppy’s routine as it allows them to get some exercise and socialize with other people and dogs.
Puppy playtime is a little different from dog playtime; avoid strenuous games such as jumping or long runs as this sustained level of high energy is not ideal for developing puppies. Instead, try running around your yard and playing with toys.
A puppy will explore the world with its mouth, and its teething instinct means it’ll wrap its jaws around anything it can find. Providing them with chew toys can help to channel this energy more healthily.
From two to 12 months old, your puppy will burst with energy and require stimulating play sessions that cater to this. Pay attention to their breed and personality as this also helps to determine the best toys for dogs.
While some puppies enjoy puzzles and toys that challenge them, others will be happier with soothing items or a soft toy that they can cuddle up to.
An Example of a Puppy’s Daily Routine
Building the perfect routine is all about balancing your needs with your puppy’s needs and discovering what works best for you both. Here is a sample of what your routine could look like:
Morning:
Toilet
Activity: playtime or walk
Breakfast and fresh water
Mid-Morning:
Toilet
Naptime
Afternoon:
Lunch and fresh water
Toilet
Activity: Interactive games
Mid-Afternoon:
Toilet
Naptime
Dinner:
Dinner and fresh water
Toilet
Evening:
Activity: walk
Toilet
Bedtime
