The Ultimate Puppy Schedule: Building Structure and Obedience

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Why a Puppy Schedule is Essential

Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. One of the most crucial elements in raising a well-behaved dog is establishing a solid schedule. A structured routine helps your puppy feel secure and understand what’s expected of them. With the right puppy schedule, you'll provide the necessary guidance for obedience and socialization, laying the foundation for a lifelong relationship with your furry friend.

Creating the Best Puppy Schedule

I got a bit lucky here. My breeder sent me a schedule before I picked Charlee up to A) let me know what schedule she was on but B) to also encourage me to keep her on that schedule to grow a well-structured, behaved young lady. Here’s a basic outline of the schedule that we used. Now I'm lucky, I work from home, so I was able to stick to this. Adjust as needed to your schedule!

7am: Wake up, take your pup outside. When they 1st come home, take them out on a leash and walk them around. Say potty over and over when they go number 1. This helps them to understand the action of the word eventually. Go inside and play for about 10 minutes. Feed the puppy. Take the pup back outside on the leash.

Back in their kennel for their morning nap

9am to 10am: Take your pup out again. Same thing, on the leash. Play with the puppy for a while.

Back in their kennel for their mid-morning nap

12pm-1pm: Take your pup out again. Play with the puppy for a while. Feed your pup some lunch. I always feed Charlee 3 times a day. The breeder said for about a month, but I just kept offering her lunch until she finally “told me she didn't want lunch anymore. That was around 6 months.

I would also give her some of her lunch in her Kong, so that she had some mental stimulation around lunch. I would just stuff it with her food then put some peanut butter (natural, peanuts only) on top and then freeze it. She loved it. Then play for a bit longer.

Back in her kennel for her afternoon nap

3pm-4pm: Take your pup outside and play for a few minutes.

Back in their kennel for another nap

6pm: Take your pup outside, play for a bit, feed them, etc. I would then put her in her playpen for a bit to play with her toys, trying to give her a small amount of independence. Some days that didn't work well though lol. Then i would play, let her lay with us and chill, etc.

9pm: Outside one more time and then bedtime – in the kennel!

Sticking to this routine will help your puppy feel more in control and lead to fewer accidents in the house. Charlee only peed in the house 1 time. It really works! Adjust timings based on your puppy’s energy levels and disruptions in your daily life. Consistency truly is the key!

Another tip is purchasing a kennel that is movable. For example, I purchased this kennel, which allowed me to move her with me around the house to minimize her being scared, nervous, feeling alone, etc. for the first few weeks. I would leave the room for short then longer and longer periods so she would learn I always will return. This worked great!

Tips for Sticking to Your Puppy Schedule

While creating a schedule is beneficial, maintaining it can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

• Set reminders on your phone to keep you accountable for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime.

• Be flexible! Life happens, and it’s okay to adjust the schedule when necessary. Just ensure any changes are communicated through your actions to your puppy.

• Involve the whole family. Everyone should be aware of the schedule and help maintain it. This way, your puppy gets consistent training and structure from all household members.

Establishing the best puppy schedule is about balance and understanding your pet's needs. Consistency will not only improve obedience but will also strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. Remember, a happy puppy makes a happy home!