Bringing a puppy into your home can be as challenging as it is exciting. In order to help your puppy settle into their new environment and help the rest of the family get used to the new routine, having a set schedule is very important. That’s something we emphasize here at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, Colorado. Puppies have a very short attention span so doing the same things at a set time can help to enforce training, reduce accidents and ensure that they are getting the proper nutrition. It will also help you create a bond with your pup that can last a lifetime.
Setting up a Routine One Step at a Time
Setting up a routine for your puppy doesn’t mean having every single minute of the day accounted for, it’s more about maintaining consistency with key elements like feeding, letting them potty, playing, training and sleeping. As long as those key activities are kept to the same time each day, your puppy will be able to learn what is expected behavior and adjust to their environment easily. A set schedule can also help each family member to understand what needs to happen when so your puppy can keep to their routine.
Though specific needs can vary from one breed to another, puppies generally need to eat three times a day and will need to have a potty break within 30 minutes after eating. You can make scheduling mealtimes easier by feeding your puppy when you eat. Also, don’t forget to regularly wash out and refill their water bowl so they have continual access to fresh water. Then remember to take the puppy out shortly after they finish. As they get older, dogs can hold their pee longer so you may not need to take them out as often but as puppies it’s important to make sure that you take them out regularly.
Not surprisingly, puppies have a lot of excess energy so it’s vital for them to get a chance to play and work it off. At the same time, regular play sessions can help you to form a bond with your puppy which is extremely important for their development. At Peak Legacy Ranch we’re all about raising happy and healthy dogs and that begins with making sure they’re getting exactly what they need. Again, while energy levels and exercise needs can vary from breed to breed it’s generally a better idea to have several short sessions rather than one long one. You can also vary your activity sessions between play and obedience training, so your puppy won’t get bored.
Puppies require a lot of sleep, sometimes up to 20 hours a day! It’s important to schedule time for naps to ensure that your puppy is getting enough sleep. To promote healthy sleep it can be helpful to provide a peaceful, quiet environment like a crate or bed that is away from the rest of the activity in the house. In families with children, it’s important to teach them not to disturb the puppy during nap time. It’s also crucial that your puppy has a set bedtime. It doesn’t matter exactly what time you choose as long as you stick to that time each night and remember to take your puppy out to let them potty before settling down for the night.
With these simple tips, you should be able to set up a schedule that works for you and your puppy. Here at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, Colorado we want to make sure that every puppy gets off on the right foot and that starts with having a regular routine to follow. With the right schedule, your puppy will soon be able to settle in and become a happy, healthy and much loved member of the family.
