Puppy Schedule
Please make sure to read all of the information below, and let me know if you have any questions…we are always happy to help!
Also, please take time to review the AKC New Puppy Information below. This includes great advice to help make the transition from our home to yours easier on your new puppy. Remember, this is a big adjustment for them, so try to keep things as calm and consistent as possible.
Why a Schedule Matters
One of the most important parts of potty training (in my opinion) is keeping your puppy on a consistent schedule. Below is the routine we recommend. Of course, you don’t have to follow it exactly…feel free to adjust it to what works best for your family.
Southland Goldens Schedule
- 6:30am – Rise and shine! Immediately go outside for a potty break.
- 7:00am – Breakfast- Immediately after, go outside for potty & playtime (duration depends on weather/temperature—they love outside time).
- After play – Inside downtime (chew toys, puzzles).
- Mid-morning – Outside potty break.
- 10:30am–12:00pm – Crate training/nap (always followed by an immediate potty break).
- 12:00pm – Lunch – Immediately after, outside for potty & playtime.
- Afternoon – Inside downtime (chew toys, puzzles).
- 3:30pm–5:00pm – Crate training/nap, followed by a potty break.
- 5:00pm – Dinner – Immediately after, outside for potty & playtime.
- After dinner – Great time for a walk! They’ve burned some energy and a walk will help them sleep better through the night.
- Evening – “Calm play” time. We allow the puppies to explore freely inside. They may choose to get in the crate or relax with a toy. No food, treats, or chew bones after dinner—this helps reduce nighttime potty breaks.
- Bedtime – Flexible based on your schedule. Just remember, at this age your puppy cannot physically hold their potty through the night. (See more info on nighttime potty breaks below.)
Feeding Schedule
Your puppy is currently eating (at 8 weeks old):
- 7:00am – 3/4 cup
- 12:00pm – 1/2 cup
- 5:00pm – 3/4 cup
Potty Training
Ah, the fun part of puppy parenting! 😊
Patience is key. Your puppy doesn’t yet know that it’s not okay to potty inside your home, nor do they know where their new “potty spot” is. Keep things simple for them:
- Don’t allow free roam of the house at first…it’s too confusing. Gradually expand their space as they learn where to go.
- Use the crate as a training tool. Puppies naturally don’t want to potty where they sleep.
- Set the crate divider so they have just enough room to stand, turn, and lay down comfortably.
- Always take your puppy directly from the crate to their potty spot.
- Give lots of praise when they potty outside!
Rule of thumb: Puppies can usually hold their potty 1 hour per month of age. At night, they can often stretch it by an extra hour or two, but you’ll need to set an alarm to take them out. Don’t wait for them to cry…this teaches them that crying gets them out of the crate.
Stick to a plan, and before long you’ll have a potty-trained puppy!
Raising a Well-Behaved Puppy
It’s important to think long-term. Ask yourself:
👉 “Will this behavior still be cute when my puppy is 60+ pounds?”
- Jumping up, nipping, or chewing may seem harmless now, but if you allow it, your puppy won’t understand why it’s suddenly not okay later.
- Correct unwanted behaviors right away. A firm “no,” followed by ignoring them for a minute, is often very effective….especially since puppies love attention.
Consistency is everything.
Final Notes
When your puppy first arrives, remember this is all new to them. It’s the first time they’ve been away from their siblings and from us. Give them time to adjust and avoid overwhelming them. If you have young children, encourage calm interactions during this transition period.
Also, make sure your home is puppy-proof. Puppies are curious and teething….so it’s VERY important to keep them in a safe environment.
If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help!
Thank you,
Alyson Stuart
Southland Goldens
southlandgoldens@yahoo.com
