Everything is new and exciting, including coming up with a schedule that works for both you and your pup. There’s no perfect answer, but we’ve put together a general guideline to help you get started. Remember to always adjust based on what works best for both of you!
Puppy schedule by age: 1 to 4 months old puppy
Check out our guide to creating a 1 to 4 months old puppy schedule! It includes everything from feeding times to bathroom breaks. Puppy training can seem daunting, but this will help make it a little easier!
Feeding schedule
At 1 to 4 months old, your puppy should eat three to four meals a day. Each meal should be about a quarter to a half cup of food. Consulting your veterinarian ensures you have the right feeding volume. It’s also crucial to have a regular feeding schedule so the puppy knows when to expect her next meal. A good rule of thumb is to feed your puppy at the same time each day. Puppies typically need to eat more often than adult dogs because their stomachs are smaller and they have higher energy levels. By four months old, most puppies can be switched to two meals a day. If you have any questions about your puppy’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.
Potty training
Potty training your 1 to 4 months old puppy can seem like a taxing task, but with limited time and patience, it can be easy to teach your pup to use the bathroom outside. The first step is to create a latrine schedule. For young puppies, it’s recommended that they go out to potty every 1-2 hours. This means that you’ll need to take your young canine out first thing in the morning, after naps, and before bedtime. It’s also significant to take your little mutt out after meals and after playing. In between outings, keep an eye on your mutt and watch for signs that he needs to go pisspot, such as sniffing around or circling. If you see these signs, immediately take your pup outside so he can relieve himself. With a little consistency, you’ll soon have a mutt who is fully potty trained!
Playtime and exercise
1 to 4 months old puppies need a lot of playtime and exercise to stay healthy and happy. Here is a schedule that will help your whelp get the most out of his or her day:
- Wake up and go outside to relieve themselves as soon as they wake up.
- After breakfast, have a 20-30 minute play session inside or outside (weather permitting). Train your puppy with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, etc.
- Go for a short walk after the play session. If it’s too hot outside, wait until later in the day when it’s cooler.
- Puppies usually take a nap after their morning walk, so let them sleep for 1-2 hours.
- By the time they wake up, it’s time for lunch!
- After lunch, another 20-30 minute play session. Begin to introduce your mutt to new toys and socialize them with other people and animals.
- Another short walk after the play session.
- Pups usually take another nap in the afternoon, so let them sleep for 1-2 hours.
- When they wake up, it’s time for dinner!
- After dinner, have another 20-30 minute play session. Work on obedience training and tricks.
- Go outside one last time before bedtime to relieve themselves.
- Give your little mutt a small treat before bedtime and say goodnight!
Of course, every puppy is different, and you’ll need to adjust the schedule as needed. If your pup seems tired or doesn’t seem to be enjoying the exercise, cut back on the amount of time or frequency. And always make sure to supervise your pup during playtime – they can get into trouble fast!
Training commands
1 to 4 months old puppies are just starting to learn about the world around them, and this is the perfect time to teach them basic commands. A good schedule for training commands would be to do 1-2 sessions per day, each lasting about 5-10 minutes. For each session, start with 1-2 directives that your mutt is already familiar with. Then, introduce 1-2 new commands. End the session with a review of the 1-2 new commands. Be sure to praise your puppy for correct responses, and give lots of treats! With patience and consistency, your puppy will be a well-trained companion in no time.
Here is a basic command you can teach your pup, along with some tips on how to get started.
- “Sit“: This is one of the most basic commands and is the best way to start training your pup. To get your mutt to sit, hold a treat in front of their nose and say the command in a firm, clear voice. When they sit, reward them with food and plenty of praise.
- “Stay“: This command is excellent for teaching your young canine self-control. To get your pooch to stay, have them sit or lie down, then take a few steps away from them while saying the command in a firm, clear voice. Staying put means a treat and praise. If they get up and follow you, gently put them back in the starting position and try again.
- “Come“: An essential command for keeping your puppy safe. To get your pup to come, call their name in an excited voice while beckoning them with your hand. When they reach you, hand them a treat and lots of petting and applause.
- “Down“: This command is another good one for teaching self-control. To get your puppy to lie down, hold a treat close to its chest and say the command in a firm voice. Once they are lying down, reward them with treats and praise. If they pop back up, gently put them back in the starting position and try again.
- “Leave it“: This command helps teach your new mutt not to touch or eat things that they shouldn’t. To get your puppy to leave it, place a treat on the ground in front of them and say the command in a firm voice. If they try to eat the treat, cover it with your hand and say the command again. Once they leave the treat alone, reward them with a different treat and praise.
Grooming and dental care
At this age, they start to explore the world and learn about all the new sights and smells. During this time, it’s vital to begin establishing a grooming and dental care routine. Here’s a suggested schedule:
- Brush your puppy’s teeth every day with pet-safe toothpaste.
- Bath your pup every 1-2 weeks using a mild puppy shampoo.
- Trimming your pooch’s nails every 1-2 weeks.
- Check your puppy’s ears weekly for any infection or irritation.
Through this routine, you’ll help your pup stay healthy and comfortable as they continue to grow.
Sleeping habits
Every puppy is different, so it’s vital to know your new pup’s sleeping habits. For a 1 to 4 months old puppy, the rule of thumb is to expect them to sleep for about 18 hours each day. Meaning they’ll likely be taking several naps throughout the day, in addition to a longer stretch of sleep at night. It’s necessary to create a consistent slumber schedule for your young canine, so they can learn when it’s time to rest and when it time to play. It will help them develop healthy sleeping habits that will last their entire life. Thanks for teaching your puppy to get a good night’s slumber!
Puppy schedule by age: 5 to 8 months old puppy
Feeding schedule
Between 5 and 8 months, your pup will need 3 meals a day. Feed them in the morning, afternoon, and evening, making sure to remove any uneaten food after 30 minutes. At each meal, give them 1/2 to 1 cup of dry food, adjusted according to the package instructions based on their weight. Puppies this age are still growing, so it’s crucial to ensure enough nutrients. In addition to their regular food, you can also give them occasional treats, a reward for good behavior. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too many treats can lead to weight gain. With proper diet, love and attention, your pup will soon grow into a healthy and happy dog.
Potty training
5 to 8 months is the perfect age to start potty training your puppy! Here is a helpful schedule to get you started:
- Wake up: Take your mutt outside as soon as they wake up in the morning.
- After meals: Puppies usually need to go potty about 20 minutes after eating, so be sure to take them out after mealtimes.
- Before bed: Take your mutt out for a final bathroom break before bedtime.
- Every few hours: In between scheduled potty breaks, take your puppy out every few hours to prevent accidents.
Exercise
It’s critical to keep your 5 to 8 months old pup healthy and active to live a long and happy life! Here’s a schedule of exercises that will help keep them in top shape:
- Walking or running for 15 minutes, 3 times a day.
- Playing fetch or catch for 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
- Going for a swim for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 times a week.
- Practicing obedience commands or tricks for 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new exercise routine. They will give you tailored advice based on your puppy’s individual needs.
Training and socialization
Training and socialization are essential for 5 to 8 months old puppies. A good schedule includes daily walks, obedience training, and playtime with other puppies. The obedience training includes basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. It is also necessary to expose your mutt to different people, places, and situations regularly. It will help them to become well-rounded dogs that are comfortable in a variety of situations.
Puppy health and wellness
A 5 to 8 months old puppy needs a few vaccinations, including booster shots for Rabies, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza. Your veterinarian will recommend monthly heart worm and tick/flea/mosquito prevention. At this age, the Puppy should also be spayed or neutered.
Puppies will need a wellness exam every 3-4 months until they reach one year old, when they can transition to an annual exam schedule.
During a wellness exam, the veterinarian will check the weight, and vital signs, as well as their eyes, ears, nose, throat, lymph nodes, skin, coat, and nails. The veterinarian will also palpate (feel) Puppy’s abdomen and check its heart and lungs.
As part of puppy’s preventative care plan, the veterinarian may also recommend routine blood work and urine testing. These tests help to detect any underlying health conditions before they become serious.
The puppy should also see the dentist for a professional cleaning at least once a year. Pets are susceptible to the same dental problems as humans, such as gum disease and tooth decay. By starting dental care early, you can help keep your pet’s teeth healthy for life.
Puppy schedule by age: 9 to12 months old puppy
Feeding schedule
You should continue feeding your young canine three times a day. But, as they become an adult, you can start to space their meals out. So, if you’re currently feeding them breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can start to drop the lunch feeding. Just remember that puppies need a lot of food to help them grow into healthy adults, so don’t skimp on the portion sizes!
Potty training
Potty training your 9 to12 months old puppy doesn’t have to be hard. Just follow this schedule and you’ll have a house-trained pup in no time!
- First thing in the morning, take your puppy outside to do their business. After they’ve been fed, offer them another chance to potty. Then it’s time for breakfast!
- During the day, continue to take your puppy outside every few hours. If they haven’t gone potty after thirty minutes, put them back in their crate or playpen. At dinnertime, it’s time for another potty break before bed.
Remember to be patient and give your puppy plenty of praise when they go potty outside.
Exercise
A 9 to 12 months old puppy needs at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, depending on the energy levels of the puppy. The puppies’ energy level varies widely, so it is best to work with your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to come up with an exercise schedule that is right for your puppy. Some puppies may need two or three walks a day, while others may only need one long walk or two shorter ones.
Puppies also need time to run and play, so ensure to provide plenty of opportunities for your puppy to burn off some energy. In addition, mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity for these puppies, so make sure to include plenty of toys and puzzle games in your puppy’s exercise routine. Through physical and mental stimulation, you’ll help your pup stay happy and healthy.
Socialization
At this age, your puppy is entering his teenage years and is full of energy. It is the perfect time to socialize him so he can learn how to interact with other dogs and people. Regular puppy socialization schedule will help your puppy grow into a well-rounded adult dog.
Here are some tips for socializing your 9 to 12 months old puppy:
- Take him to the dog park several times a week. It is a fitting place for him to run around and play with other dogs.
- Enroll him in an obedience class. Teaching him how to behave around other dogs and people.
- Have friends and family over often. It will help your puppy get used to being around different people.
- Go on walks in different neighborhoods. Such will help your puppy become comfortable with different types of environments.
Conclusion paragraph: Congratulations on making it to the end of our puppy schedule! As you can see, there is a lot to think about when raising a young canine. But if you follow our puppy schedule by age guide and are patient with your pup, he or she will grow into a happy, healthy dog. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pup’s health and wellness. Now get out there and have some fun with your furry friend!