Puppy Schedule

A group of eight Jack Russell Terrier puppies

All dogs and certainly puppies need to be put on a schedule. Set a puppy schedule for yourself and work your dog’s needs into it. Then, stick to it the best you can every day. Your puppy will appreciate it and do well. Here are some of the main items to keep on her agenda for each day:

A puppy schedule should include plenty of playtime. Maybe you noticed your puppy when he was with his litter mates. They were knocking each over, rolling around, play-biting and roughhousing in general.

Brushing teeth. Make time in your puppy schedule. Dog bones and chew toys don’t do an adequate job of cleansing. Be sure to use ONLY canine toothpaste. Make a brush by wrapping your finger with a piece of gauze and rubbing each tooth gently. Brush at least once a week and rinse with water. Start this as a puppy so she won’t fight you later on. Have the vet check the teeth once a year even with the brushing.

8 week old Lab Retriever puppy

Dogs should be fed on a regular schedule, same time every day, the same as sleeping and exercise routines. If you get your puppy from a qualified breeder, the breeder will tell you what food to give. Otherwise, get your vets advice on a diet.

Always feed a quality brand name PUPPY food, not adult food. The cheaper the food, the less it has in the way of nutrients and the more it has of preservatives, artificial coloring, flavors and animal-by-products.

Groom based on breed and hair style. Unless the dog is very dirty or smelly, it should be bathed as little as possible. Use ONLY shampoo’s intended for dogs. Human shampoo can be harmful.

When you pick your puppy up from the breeder, get detailed information as to what the puppy has been eating and should now eat. This will include how much and when, so the dog stays on schedule. Only buy premium high quality brand name dog food.

if you adopt your puppy from one of the rescue kennels, ask the staff what the puppy has been eating, but DO NOT let that be your final word. Take the pup to a vet ASAP and get his/her input for a diet recommendation. You may want to follow that advice. Frankly, we home-cook for out dogs.

Here’s a typical feeding schedule for puppies:

4 meals a day for puppies 6 to 12 weeks.

3 meals a day for puppies 3 to 6 months old.

2 meals a day for puppies 6 months to 1 year old.

Some large dogs, including those prone to bloat should stay at two meals a day. At this point, check with your vet for his recommended food choice and feeding schedule.

Human food is not allowed unless it is a special diet, such as home-cooking for your dog. For example, our Mini Schnauzer needs a bland diet so she gets shredded baked chicken thighs topped with boiled brown rice and topped with Science Diet kibble twice a day. The small amount of kibble is added to provide the needed vitamin and mineral allowance she needs.

When you finally work out a puppy schedule that works for you and the pup, try to hold to it as best you can. Your puppy will look forward to events happening at the same time every day.

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