Please make sure to read all of the information below, and let me know if you have any questionsâwe are always happy to help!
Also, please take time to review the New Puppy Information in your puppyâs folder. 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 donât have to follow it exactlyâfeel free to adjust it to what works best for your family.
Southland Goldens Schedule
- 6:30am â Rise and shine! Immediately go outside for a potty break.
- 7:00am â Breakfast- Immediately after, go outside for potty & playtime (duration depends on weather/temperatureâthey love outside time).
- After play â Inside downtime (chew toys, puzzles).
- Mid-morning â Outside potty break.
- 10:30amâ12:00pm â Crate training/nap (always followed by an immediate potty break).
- 12:00pm â Lunch – Immediately after, outside for potty & playtime.
- Afternoon â Inside downtime (chew toys, puzzles).
- 3:30pmâ5:00pm â Crate training/nap, followed by a potty break.
- 5:00pm â Dinner – Immediately after, outside for potty & playtime.
- After dinner â Great time for a walk! Theyâve burned some energy and a walk will help them sleep better through the night.
- Evening â âCalm playâ 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 dinnerâthis helps reduce nighttime potty breaks.
- Bedtime â 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.)
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Feeding Schedule
Your puppy is currently eating:
- 7:00am â 3/4 cup
- 12:00pm â 3/4 cup
- 5:00pm â 3/4 cup
Potty Training
Ah, the fun part of puppy parenting! đ
Patience is key. Your puppy doesnât yet know that itâs not okay to potty inside your home, nor do they know where their new âpotty spotâ is. Keep things simple for them:
- Donât allow free roam of the house at firstâitâs too confusing. Gradually expand their space as they learn where to go.
- Use the crate as a training tool. Puppies naturally donât 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 youâll need to set an alarm to take them out. Donât wait for them to cryâthis teaches them that crying gets them out of the crate.
Stick to a plan, and before long youâll have a potty-trained puppy!
Raising a Well-Behaved Puppy
Itâs important to think long-term. Ask yourself:
đ âWill this behavior still be cute when my puppy is 60+ pounds?â
- Jumping up, nipping, or chewing may seem harmless now, but if you allow it, your puppy wonât understand why itâs suddenly not okay later.
- Correct unwanted behaviors right away. A firm âno,â followed by ignoring them for a minute, is often very effectiveâespecially since puppies love attention.
Consistency is everything.
Final Notes
When your puppy first arrives, remember this is all new to them. Itâs the first time theyâve 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 teethingâso itâs VERY important to keep them in a safe environment.
If you have any questions at all, please donât hesitate to reach out. Weâre always here to help!
Thank you,
Alyson Stuart
Southland Goldens
southlandgoldens@yahoo.com
334-372-7042
