What is a good schedule for an 8 week old puppy

The Perfect 8-Week-Old Puppy Schedule: When to Potty, Exercise, Sleep and Eat

Watch the progress of Moses and socialization in these 3 videos below, as he grows from 10 weeks to 8 months (in the Puppy Coach Video Diary, there are so many more videos in between these stages that show vital nuances in his training and puppy development).

Playtime

Having a handful of puppy toys on hand makes it easy to keep your pup entertained throughout the day.

Whether you decide to take your puppy outside for a game of fetch or monitor him indoors with a puzzle toy, there are many ways you can keep your puppy both mentally and physically stimulated.

Here are a few of my favorite toys to have on hand

• A ball/frisbee for a game of fetch.
• An antler bone which provides a constructive and natural chewing source.
• Chew toys that arent tough to baby teeth
• A puzzle toy for mental stimulation.
• A kong you can fill with a treat to keep your pup busy.
• A soft, plush toysome puppies love carrying around a cuddly toy!
• Puppies are incredibly smart! When you provide them with toys, they quickly learn what they are/are not allowed to play with in your home. For example, giving your dog a bone or some chew toys to chew on should help keep your pup from chewing up your favorite pair of slippers.

As your puppy grows, you will encounter challenges where they chew toys excessively. When puppies start to grow adult teeth, the urge to chew toys increases. I encourage you to take a look at an article I wrote on how to get your dog from chewing on and destroying your stuff Read it now!.

Leash Training

Whether theyre 8-weeks/9-weeks or 10-weeks-old, its likely that most puppies will struggle to walk on a leashlet alone be able to walk very far before they decide to take a nap on the grass!

That being said, leash training is something you should start right away with your puppy in order to teach him/her proper outdoor walking manners. Knowing the purpose of the leash is also a crucial part of obedience training and puppy training. You will need all the positive reinforcement you can give.

Visit this post for tips on how you can help puppies love walking!

You can simply start in your backyard getting your puppy accustomed to using a leash with a little stroll around the grass. As your puppy gets older and a little more aware of what going on a walk means, I encourage you to use the resources below.

My Ultimate Guide to Leash Training (AKA, How to Not be Stressed When a Leash Triggers Your Dog)

View my Podcast on Overexcited Behaviors While On Walk

Check Out This Doggy Dan-Approved Harness!

Setting Schedules and Developing a Routine for Your New Puppy

There are so many new experiences and things to think about when you bring home yourpuppythat you may forget one of the most important parts of puppy homecoming: establishing a routine. Structure will help your new canine family member feel secure and know whats expected of him. The best way to do this is to create a schedule and stick to it. The first few weeks with your new puppy is the time to start establishinggood behaviors. By the way, the puppy is not the only one who benefits from a schedule; it also makes life easier for the human members of the family. You wont have to plan out every moment of your pups day, but there are a few important areas where a schedule can make the difference between a well-adjusted dog and chaos.

Your Puppys Feeding Schedule

Unlike mature dogs that eat once or twice a day, most puppies need to eat puppy foodthree times a day. Make it easier to remember by planning his mealtimes around your own breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Wash out his water bowl and make sure its always filled with clean water, too.

Schedule Potty Breaks

Keep to a regular routine of taking your puppy outside at least every two-to-four hours and after every change of activity. This is especially important duringhouse trainingand will keep accidents to a minimum.

Playtime Is Important!

Your puppy needs exercise and interaction with you. A word of caution: sustained, strenuous exercise (long runs, jumping) is not good for puppies, but playing, mental stimulation, and running around in the yard are good. Some experts recommend waiting until a dog is about one year old before starting with serious exercise and this can vary by breed. Differentdog breedshave different energy levels and rates of growth; the growth plates in their joints close at different ages. But doschedule play and exercise timeinto your puppys day: a walk around the neighborhood,playing with toys, and time spent bonding go a long way toward expending energy. Several shorter sessions are better for a puppy than one long one.

Naps and Bedtime

Young puppies sleep a great deal of the time; in fact, some will sleep as much as 16-to-18 hours a day. Plan on quiet nap times for him several times during the day. Family members, especially young children, should learn not to disturb him when hes sleeping. He needs his rest! You may need to put a crate in a quiet part of the house so he wont be distracted by the hustle and bustle that may be going on during naptime.

When it comes to bedtime, some owners set a specific time to settle their puppy down for the night. Others just want him to sleep when they sleep. It may be easier to set a puppy bedtime and help him get used to the routine.

Do I Have to Make a Schedule for My Puppy?

The sooner you set a schedule, the sooner hell adjust to his new family and you to him. Routine makes it easier for everyone, humans included, to know whats acceptable behavior and whats expected. Keep in mind that high jinks from an adorable puppy or little accidents will not seem so adorable when hes a full-grown dog. The sample schedule below is a good place to start; you may need to tailor it to suit your puppy.

A Sample Puppy Schedule

• First thing in the morning:Take the puppy out to relieve himself. Make time to play and interact with him after hes taken care of business.
• Breakfast time:Feed the puppy. Leave the food down for no longer than 15 minutes. After that, pick up the bowl and give no more food until the next meal (except for small treats used for training). Wash the water bowl and provide clean water.
• After puppys breakfast:Puppies usually need to relieve themselves again, within a few minutes of eating, so give another potty opportunity. After this, spend some time playing and/or doing a little training with your puppy. And though everyone is busy in the morning getting ready for work or school, make time for a quick walk to give him a chance to do his business one more time.
• Mid-morning:The rest of the morning might be devoted to nap time, ideally in a dog crate or pen. Even if youre home during the day, your puppy should spend time in a crate or pen; this will help him learn how to be alone when necessary. Its also impossible to know what a puppy will get into when you turn away for a moment and there needs to be a place to put him when you cant supervise directly. If he will be home alone for more hours than he can control his bladder or bowels, you need to set up a pen with an area for him to relieve himself or consider having a pet sitter come to take him out.
• Noon:A repeat of the early morning routine as soon as he wakes up, a trip outside. Then lunch, and another trip outside should follow the meal. Spend some time playing with and training him, so he can burn some energy. And dont forget one more potty break before the afternoon nap!
• Mid-afternoon: When he wakes up, its time to go out again. And time to play and train, again. Then a chance to potty. If youre home, he can hang out with you for a while before dinner.
• Dinner:If you arrange his mealtimes around yours, it will become natural to feed him either while youre preparing dinner or while the household is eating. But pay attention so you can take him outside as soon as hes finished. Before the family sits down to dinner, its a good idea to give the puppy a chew toy to enjoy in his crate. This way he wont get underfoot, and nobody will be tempted to give him tidbits from the table.
• Evening:Another potty break! The early evening is a good time for lots of interaction. For many puppies this is the witching hour, and if you anticipate it by initiating play, he may settle down. If he doesnt, even after plenty of exercise, give him a treat and let him settle in the crate for a while. Later, an evening stroll gives him exercise and a chance to take a potty break. And make sure he potties right before bed.
• Bedtime: A set bedtime makes his adjustment and house training easier for everyone. It doesnt matter if its 8 p.m. or midnight, as long as it becomes a routine.Take him to his crateand help him settle down for the night.
• Night: If your puppy is not yet able to make it through the night, set an alarm so you can get up and take him out for a quick, boring potty break. Its better to wake up a little before you think he will, so that you are not responding to whining and barking. Then back to bed so youll be ready for the next wonderful day with your puppy!

By establishing the routine from the very beginning, youll be on your way to a happy, well-adjusted dog. Its worth putting in the time and effort right now so that undesirable habits and behaviors wont stand a chance.

About PurinaPro Plan

Purina Pro Planis a leader in the advanced nutrition category, with more than 140 targeted formulas to help your pet thrive throughout every stage of life. For more information, visitwww.proplan.comor follow @ProPlanon Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

8-10 Week Old Puppy Schedule (With Free Download)

Youve just got your puppy and you may be thinking to yourself, now what do I do?. In this hands-on guide, youll get a strong understanding of how to meet your puppys needs while staying sane. At the end of this guide, you can download a printable schedule that you and your family members can use to keep track of everything your puppy will need at this time.

When you first bring your puppy home, your world quickly changes completely. It can feel daunting and overwhelming. Being able to add some semblance of structure to this will keep you sane. It will also keep your puppy happy. Your puppy will love the routine that youre establishing for him or her

Why Are Puppy Schedules Important?

When you first bring your puppy home, every experience will be a new experience. Just like us humans, puppies feel more comfortable when they know their daily routines. Your puppy will likely be overwhelmed when they first arrive at home. Establishing a routine will make them feel safe and comforted.

Whats even more important is sticking to the routine. This means that taking your dog potty at 6 am on weekdays and then sleeping in until 8 or 9 am on weekends is a bad idea. Your dog, of course, doesnt know its the weekend. All they know is they have to pee!

Itll confuse them and mess with their rhythm. It may seem frustrating and annoying but stick to a schedule while your puppy is growing and develops physically.

What Are My 8 Week Old Puppys Needs?

During weeks eight through ten, your puppy has four primary needs:

In the next four sections, youll take a deeper dive into each of these four needs. Youll gain an understanding of how these needs are unique to puppies of this age and how you can support your puppy in their growth.

Potty Needs of an 8-10 Week Old Puppy

At this age, your puppy wont have too much control of their bladder and bowels. Because of this, its important to be proactive to prevent any accidents. Similarly, this is about building positive habits for your puppy.

In addition, your puppy can develop and know expectations of when theyll be taken out. If they know theyre being taken out once an hour, they may learn to know to hold on as much as they can.

You may have read the sentence above and thought to yourself, once an hour? Thats crazy! But remember, your puppy wont know not to pee inside! Getting upset if and when this happens wont solve the problem. Rather, building positive habits around potty training will.

When you take your puppy outside, bring them to the spot youre intending for them to use. Theyll learn where you want them to go and theyll learn to associate that spot with doing their business.

After your puppy does their business, reward them with a treat and with praise. Eventually, you may even be able to get your dog to do their business on command.

Getting through the night

Especially when you do take your puppy out in the night, make sure you dont try and play with your puppy. You dont want your puppy to think this is playtime.

Lastly, by week 10 your puppy may be able to make it through the night without going outside! This may look like a midnight to 6 am night, but the end of sleepless nights is in sight.

Exercise Needs of an 8-10 Week Old Puppy

Your puppy will benefit tremendously from some light exercise and interaction with you. Whats important here is to not overexercise your puppy. Your puppy is not fully developed (and may not be for a full year), so keep away from strong, strenuous exercise. If youre unsure, always consult with a vet.

That said, your puppy will be full of energy. Finding ways to tire them out physically and mentally will make sure they can grow stronger. The added benefit of this is that itll tire your puppy out and keep them engaged meaning theyll be less likely to destroy things out of boredom.

Playtime as Exercise

The use of interactive toys is a great way to bond with your puppy, but also to begin teaching them important skills. At this point, theyll be learning how to learn from you. While they may not yet be able to take on learning commands, theyll learn to see you as a leader and that youre the provider of fun.

Letting your puppy see you as a source of fun will let them enjoy being around you. Dont simply hand them an interactive toy (like a plushy) and let them play. Not only are they more likely to immediately destroy the toy, they also lose the benefit of bonding with you.

Socializing as Exercise

Similarly, its important to socialize your puppy. Do this slowly at this age, your puppy will in their fear-imprint phase, meaning that they may frighten easily and seriously. Similarly, your puppy will not yet be fully vaccinated. Because of this, dont introduce them to too many other dogs that you dont know. Find a balance between caution and overwhelming. As always get advice from your vet about how to socialize your puppy safely.

Socializing is a critical phase of your puppys development. Take this seriously and introduce them to as many people, pets, and environments as you safely can. Not socializing your puppy can lead to significant behavioural issues later on in life.

Food and Dietary Needs of an 8-10 Week Old Puppy

While this may seem like a straightforward task, there are some important things to note about the food needs of your puppy. Again, lets focus on routine first. Your puppy will want to know that food comes, and that it comes consistently.

Consider having a feeding schedule, where your puppy can quickly learn the times when theyll get fed. Similarly, focus on having a single feeding location. If youre crate training your puppy, it may help build positive associations with their crate if you feed your puppy in the crate.

While adult dogs will eat twice a day, a puppy generally eats three times a day. Theyre in a period of tremendous growth and have much smaller bodies.

Your puppy will be used to the food that the breeder or shelter had been giving him or her. Keep using this food, at least at first. Also make sure that you thoroughly clean and wash their bowl daily. Providing fresh water is equally important and try and change this multiple times a day.

One thing you can begin building are positive habits associated with food. While your puppy may not be able to immediately understand to wait, you can gently guide them to wait until they begin eating. Consider having them sit patiently as your place the food bowl down and give them a positive Ok! when they listen.

Sleep Needs of an 8-10 Week Old Puppy

When you bring your puppy home, he or she will still be a baby. Because of this, theyll require a lot of sleep. That sleep should also be good quality meaning it should be undisturbed by other family members, pets, or things like the noise of the TV.

That said, your puppy will need to feel safe! They likely havent been alone yet in their entire life! Because dogs are denning creatures, they can actually build very strong positive associations with their crates.

If you are crate training, it can even be helpful to have the crate by your bed. Consider placing the crate on a nightstand facing towards you. That way your puppy will know that youre right there. It will be a lot less stressful. Additionally, youll then know when your puppy needs to go outside!

Try building their confidence slowly in how much time they spend alone (even time they spend sleeping!). Letting them know you do come back will build confidence in their ability to be alone. Of course, find a balance between not only coming back when they bark or whine. Otherwise, they may build an association that barking or whining makes you come back! Thatll be a hard habit to break.

Does Someone Always Need to be Home With An 8 Week Old Puppy?

At this age, its not recommended to leave your puppy alone for extended periods of time. Theyve likely never been alone in their short life and it can be quite traumatic for them. Your puppy will likely still be uncomfortable in their crate for extended periods of time. If you absolutely must go away for longer periods, consider having a friend or a dog sitter swing by a few times during the day.

Make sure whoever is coming by has a clear sense of the puppys routine. This includes when they last went outside, when they last ate, how long they slept through the night, etc.

Schedule of an 8-10 Week Old Puppy

Below, youll find a sample breakdown of how your puppys schedule can look! Of course, everyones days are structured differently, so weve included a printable file. You can print this file and customize it to your own wake up times. Then, you and your family members can check off when anythings been completed.

Remember, this is just a sample! Everyones day is different and every puppy is different. This can just give you an idea of what your day may look like.

• 6:00 AM After a long nights sleep, take your puppy outside right away
• 6:30 AM Exercise your puppy a bit to give them some mental and physical stimulation.
• 7:00 AM Your dog will be hungry after the play session.
• 7:30 AM Your dog will likely need to go outside shortly after eating and drinking.
• 8:30 AM Now your puppy is ready for another nap.
• 9:00 AM Play a little more after theyre recharged. Take your puppy back outside when they wake up to avoid any accidents.
• 10:00 AM Your puppy will be ready for another nap.
• 11:00 AM Its that time again get on outside!
• 12:00 PM Time for another meal. Your dog will need to go outside one more time before another nap.
• 12:30 PM Your puppy will be ready to sleep, and youll be ready to eat your lunch.
• 1:30 PM Before playing, take them outside quickly. Get a bit more play time in to keep them from getting into mischief.
• 2:30 PM Yup, its that time again, get on outside!
• 3:00 PM Play a little more to keep them engaged. Even 5-10 minutes will keep them happy. Your pup will probably snooze a little more.
• 4:00 PM Your dog may not sleep, but he or she will love a chew toy in their crate.
• 5:00 PM Exercise your puppy so theyll be calm when you cook dinner. Dont forget to head back outside.
• 5:30 PM Feed them their third meal of the day.
• 6:00 PM Let them out before they sleep. Your puppy will likely need some well-earned rest.
• 7:00 PM Take your puppy outside. Your puppy will likely snooze on and off.
• 8:00 PM Take your puppy outside. Consider limiting their water at this time.
• 8:30 PM Its likely your last play time with your puppy. Make it a good one and tire them out (physically and mentally), so theyll be more likely to sleep through the night.
• 10:00 PM Get your puppy all settled into their bed.

Want to download a customizable planner you and can print off? This tracker keeps track of your puppys activities throughout the day. You can add the times that fit your schedule, check off when your pup has completed an activity, and add relevant notes. Download your file below!

Conclusion

In this guide, you learned about the schedule of a 9-10 week old labrador puppy. You learned about their four elementary needs:

1. Sleep,
2. Food and water,
3. Potty breaks, and
4. Exercise and socialization

You then learned how to break down your day with a sample of what your day may look like. In order to keep track of your puppys day, you can download a free day planner.

Disclaimer

All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional.

LivingWithALab.com assumes no responsibility or liability for the use or misuse of whats written on this site. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioural related issue.

Notes: