Setting A Daily Routine For Your Puppy

Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Fumipets

Puppy

---

A new puppy is thrilling, but it can also be stressful. Numerous factors need to be taken into account, including the puppy’s sleeping arrangements, diet, training schedule, and methods for teaching them to relieve themselves outdoors. However, creating a regular routine is one of the most crucial things you must intend to do when you bring a new canine friend into your household.

Dogs need a schedule, much as our young children do. They must have faith in the timing of events, such as when they will be fed, when they will go outdoors and exercise, or when it is time to play and have fun.

A regular routine will benefit your dog in a variety of ways, including toilet training, skill development, and behavior improvement. Making an efficient schedule for a new puppy when you may already be struggling with your own might seem intimidating, but fortunately, it’s simple to achieve with this straightforward method.

Starting a Schedule for Your Puppy

Priorities come first. Keep in mind your personal timetable. You eat breakfast when? What time do you leave in the morning for work? What time do you get home and have dinner? The routine of your new dog should coincide with your own. Feed them when you eat, spend time with them after work, and exercise them when you are most inclined to do it yourself.

But bear in mind that although skipping a day of exercise or spending too much time on your laptop may not seem like the end of the world to you, it will be awful for your dog. Puppies need to play with each other and have romps in the neighborhood every day. A daily plan for your new puppy truly does imply each and every day.

Make a calendar for your dog if you find it useful to have one for yourself that lists the major events of the week. To meet the demands of your new furry family member, you will need to modify your own schedule; nevertheless, if you are persistent and purposeful about it, the routine will come naturally to you both.

It is best to establish a plan and routine for your puppy as soon as possible since consistency will aid in their adjustment to their new life with you.

5 Puppy Daily Routine Elements to Consider

1. Feeding

Puppies eat a lot as they develop, and as they become older, their appetites shift. Most puppies under the age of 5 to 6 months need three meals each day of food. Feed them at the same times that you eat breakfast, lunch, and supper to make it simple. Don’t forget to provide enough pure, fresh water throughout the day and at mealtimes.

2. Pottying

Puppies need to go pee every one to four hours, depending on their age, with younger puppies having to go more often.

Puppies should have regular intervals throughout the day set aside exclusively for going outdoors in order to aid with potty training. And don’t forget to immediately allow your dog outdoors after letting them out of the kennel!

There are five crucial times throughout the day when a dog has to be allowed outdoors to relieve itself:

• After resting/sleeping

• After play sessions 

• After eating and drinking 

• Before going to bed or in the crate

• Before and after training sessions

Also, don’t be shocked if your puppy has to use the restroom again soon after going outside. When puppies go, they don’t always completely eliminate. Your puppy will discover (much to your dismay, I think) that he has to go as soon as you put him inside if he didn’t when you let him out because he was too busy chasing his friend or attempting to eat the leaves off your bush. Simply be patient and give him several chances to succeed.

3. Enrichment and Playtime

To ensure your dog’s healthy growth, make sure you provide them with plenty of enrichment. Puppies that don’t get enough play and enrichment are more likely to struggle with anxiety, lack confidence, be timid and undeveloped socially, and have behavioral issues when they enter adolescence. 

Schedule moments throughout the day to give your dog your full attention. Spend some time with them playing with toys or providing some simple instructions before you go to work to help them adjust to your absence.

To prevent boredom, leave some fantastic interactive toys or puzzles available for them while you are gone. Every day as soon as you get home, go outside and play tug of war or toss their favorite ball. Take them for a stroll and a neighborhood tour after supper. 

Playtimes are wonderful and something your dog needs a lot, but they shouldn’t go too long or be too strenuous. Think succinctly: Despite appearances, your 3-month-old dog cannot withstand more than 15-20 minutes of substantial activity at a time without experiencing overarousal and overstimulation. Whenever your dog participates in mental or physical stimulation, make sure they have time to relax undisturbed (and go pee!) afterward. 

4. Socialization and Learning Time

The most important need for a puppy to develop into a content adult is undoubtedly socializing. Dog owners sometimes ignore socialization, which is the most effective approach to prevent behavior problems in the future (avoid making this common error!).

It takes more than simply bringing your dog to the dog park or a few puppy courses to properly socialize a dog. Similarly, dog owners must take extra care to avoid overstimulating their new puppy, since this will only result in problems down the road.

A methodical process called socialization involves exposing your puppy to the outside world gradually and deliberately, always at their own speed and always in a good and safe way. It’s essential to comprehend how your dog learns since, surprise, they do the same thing that you do.

Every day should be filled with opportunities for socialization, such as teaching them fundamental skills using positive reinforcement, enrolling them in puppy training classes, letting them explore their surroundings, taking them to the veterinarian, taking them on leash-guided walks, letting them interact with other dogs and new people, and letting them take in the sights and sounds of daily life with you. Once again, keeping it brief and pleasant is essential. 

5. Rest

Sometimes it can seem like your new puppy never stops sleeping, and then all of a sudden it will appear like they do nothing but sleep. Their sleep routine changes along with how their body develops and changes. Don’t think that your energetic dog doesn’t also need a snooze! With each bite, your hand will rapidly learn that puppies who don’t get enough rest are more prone to develop into grumpy little sharks, so always pay attention to their body language and stop playtime before it gets out of hand. 

Consider scheduling quiet periods so your dog may sleep without being disturbed by anybody else in the home. Scheduling little naps in their crate or kennel is a fantastic approach to start out crate training on the right foot and make sure that it also turns into a beloved safe zone.

Your dog could readily follow your example and go to bed when it’s time for you when it comes to bedtimes. Just keep in mind to always allow them to use the restroom again immediately before you both turn in for the night.

It will take your pooch a few weeks or more to adjust and start feeling at home. Your dog will get used to living with you more quickly if you establish a schedule and keep to it.

Puppy Daily Schedule Chart