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Life can be pretty chaotic at times, work schedules, family commitments and community activities can keep us on the run. It's a good idea to plan a routine for your new puppy prior to bringing them home so that they will feel secure and settle in more quickly.

Why is keeping a puppy to a schedule helpful?

While puppies can adapt to basically anything, some puppies thrive on a daily routine and a schedule. Having some structure to their day can help them feel safe, and make the human world feel more predictable for them. So when should you start?

Starting a Schedule for Your Puppy

First things first. Consider your own schedule. When do you eat breakfast? What time do you leave for work in the morning? When do you get home and eat dinner? Your new puppy's schedule should mirror your own.

Feeding schedule

Unlike mature dogs that eat once or twice a day, most puppies need to eat puppy food three times a day. To make it easy, feed them at the same time you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't forget to offer lots of clean, fresh water at mealtimes and throughout the day as well.

Potty Breaks

In the beginning, your puppy will need to potty more often, be shown where to go again and again to establish the habit, and be taught how to “hold it” for longer periods of time as they grow. Keep to a regular routine of taking your puppy outside at least every two-to-four hours and after every change of activity. And don't be surprised if your puppy needs to go potty again shortly after he goes out, just be patient and give your pup plenty of opportunities to get it right. For a deeper dive, read our guide on potty training your dog in 5 steps.

Walk Time

Take your pup for a 15-20 minute walk around the neighborhood to practice their heel and socialize them to the common noises and sounds of the outdoors! Each day should be full of socialization opportunities that can include teaching them basic skills with positive reinforcement. If you're not sure which skills to start with, our list of the essential commands every dog should know is a good place to begin.

Playtime

Puppies need exercise and interaction with you to get rid of some of their excess puppy energy and have fun!. This is also a good opportunity to teach your puppy good play manners such as not nipping hands and feet by engaging with them to play with chew toys.

Play times are great moments that your pup desperately needs, but they should never be overly long; 15-20 minutes of significant activity at any given time can avoid your puppy to experience overarousal and overstimulation.

Naps and Bedtime

Believe it or not, a young puppy needs up to 20 hours of sleep a day! Plan on quiet times when your pup can rest without distractions from anyone else in the house. Scheduled short naps in their crate or kennel is a good way to get crate training started off on the right track.

When it comes to bedtime, some owners set a specific time to settle their puppy down for the night. Others just want him to sleep when they sleep. It may be easier to set a puppy bedtime and help him get used to the routine. A structured start pays off — avoid the common pitfalls in 4 mistakes to avoid with your puppy, and consider our puppy head start program for guided support.