Puppies are happiest when they have a schedule that alternates Busy Time with Quiet Time. Being a fur baby parent can be demanding, but don’t forget to have fun! And remember, as their mama or papa, your life will be easier if you can get them on a Puppy Schedule that works for you. Once you and puppy get into the rhythm of a routine, you’ll have a great time!
Here is a well-rounded Puppy Schedule that works really well.
| 7-9 am | Busy Time | Take them out to potty, feed them breakfast, give them a short training lesson, then let them play and explore. | ||
| _______ | _____________ | _______________________________________ | ||
| 9-11 am | Quiet Time | Confine them in their puppy pen. Give them a bully stick or Kong to chew on. If they whine or bark, ignore them (assuming all their needs are met). | ||
| _______ | _____________ | ________________________________________ | ||
| 11am-1pm | Busy Time | Take puppy out to potty, feed them lunch, take them for a walk, play “Name Game”* and Come here!* and let them explore. | ||
| _______ | ______________ | _________________________________________ | ||
| 1-3 pm | Quiet Time | Confine them in puppy area for another nap. Leave crate open in puppy area. | ||
| _______ | ______________ | _________________________________________ | ||
| 3-5 pm | Busy Time | Take them out to potty, teach “puppy heel” (follow me and get a treat), let them play, relax and explore. | ||
| _______ | ______________ | _________________________________________ | ||
| 5-7 pm | Quiet Time | Feed them dinner and let them enjoy some down time. | ||
| _______ | ______________ | _________________________________________ | ||
| 7-9 pm | Busy Time | This is when they get their second wind. Take puppy out to potty, let them explore and give them some structured play like chase the fuzzy toy, hide and seek, and play the Find It Game*. | ||
| _______ | ______________ | _________________________________________ | ||
| Right before your bedtime | Quiet Time | Take them out for a last potty, give them a cuddle and put them to bed. | ||
| _______ | ______________ | _________________________________________ | ||
| 10 pm -7am | Uninterrupted Sleep | …. | Ha! Ha! Just joking. You’ll probably have to do a potty run…so will your puppy. ☺ |
Some games mentioned in the Puppy Schedule
*Find It Game: Hide toys and treats in the grass so your puppy has to sniff them out and find them. Guaranteed good times will be had by all!
* Name Game: say puppy’s name and feed a treat. Then move somewhere else! Say Puppy’s name and drop a treat! then move again. etc…
*Come here! Call puppy and drop 3 treats between your feet, one at a time. OR call puppy and play with a toy. Keep a happy voice this should be fun for you and puppy.
As you enjoy your puppy, observe his personality and see what he likes and what makes him happy. Is it food? A favorite toy? Does he love to cuddle? Responds quickly to praise? Eager to please? Has an independent streak? Stubborn? Easily distracted?…Duh…he’s a puppy! That’s what they do. You’ll be able to use this information in your training sessions.
I’m taking in-person clients on a very limited basis, because we just can’t keep those darn masks on the dogs! And social distancing…they never heard of it! Sheeesh! However, you and your dog can get some 1:1 dog training right now from the comfort of your own home — and mine — via ZOOM. Just give me a call or contact me via my website.