New Puppy Owner Guide - Do's and Don'ts
Do
Don’t
Don’t
- Puppy-proof your home before arrival
- Keep your puppy in a safe, confined area at first (like a playpen)
- Stick to a consistent schedule for potty breaks, meals, and sleep
- Offer a quiet, comfortable spot to sleep
- Use positive reinforcement for training
- Socialize gradually with safe, vaccinated pets
- Feed the same food provided by the breeder for at least 2 months
- Start short leash training sessions at home
- Visit your vet within a few days of bringing the puppy home
- Be patient-this is a big transition!
Don’t
Don’t
Don’t
- Don't leave electrical cords or sharp objects within reach
- Don't give your puppy full access to your entire home right away
- Don't allow your puppy to free-feed or roam unsupervised
- Don't overwhelm your puppy with too many people or places at once
- Don't yell or punish-this can create fear and anxiety
- Don't take your puppy to dog parks or public areas too soon
- Don't switch food immediately-this can upset their stomach
- Don't drag or force your puppy to walk on leash if scared
- Don't skip vet visits or delay vaccinations
- Don't expect your puppy to be fully trained right away
What’s Normal? Understanding Puppy Behavior
Crying at Night
Sample Daily Schedule for an 8–16 Week Old Puppy
🚽 Accidents Happen
It’s normal for your puppy to cry or whimper during the first few nights. They’ve just left everything familiar. Comfort them, but don’t pick them up each time—otherwise, they’ll learn that crying equals attention. Instead, place the crate nearby so they can hear and smell you.
Tips:
• Use a soft toy or blanket with a familiar scent
• Try a
It’s normal for your puppy to cry or whimper during the first few nights. They’ve just left everything familiar. Comfort them, but don’t pick them up each time—otherwise, they’ll learn that crying equals attention. Instead, place the crate nearby so they can hear and smell you.
Tips:
• Use a soft toy or blanket with a familiar scent
• Try a white noise machine or heartbeat toy
• Stick to a calming bedtime routine
🚽 Accidents Happen
Sample Daily Schedule for an 8–16 Week Old Puppy
🚽 Accidents Happen
We are committed to providing the best pos
Even if your puppy was doing well with potty habits before going home, accidents are completely normal in a new space. Be consistent, patient, and avoid punishment.
Remember:
• Praise every success right after they go potty
• Stick to a regular schedule
• Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to
We are committed to providing the best pos
Even if your puppy was doing well with potty habits before going home, accidents are completely normal in a new space. Be consistent, patient, and avoid punishment.
Remember:
• Praise every success right after they go potty
• Stick to a regular schedule
• Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to prevent repeat spotssible care for our dogs. Our puppies are raised in a loving and nurturing environment, and we work closely with new owners to ensure that they have all the information and support they need to provide the best possible care for their new pet.
Other Normal Puppy Behaviors
Sample Daily Schedule for an 8–16 Week Old Puppy
Sample Daily Schedule for an 8–16 Week Old Puppy
• Chewing: Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Provide safe chew toys and redirect biting.
• Zoomies: Sudden bursts of energy are common and healthy.
• Naps: Puppies need 16–20 hours of sleep per day. Overstimulation can lead to crankiness and bad behavior.
Sample Daily Schedule for an 8–16 Week Old Puppy
Sample Daily Schedule for an 8–16 Week Old Puppy
Sample Daily Schedule for an 8–16 Week Old Puppy
This simple routine helps your puppy learn what to expect and builds trust and confidence:
Time Activity
7:00 AM Wake up & potty outside
7:15 AM Breakfast
7:30 AM Short play & potty again
8:00 AM Nap time in crate
10:00 AM Potty + short training session
10:30 AM Playtime
11:00 AM Nap
12:30 PM Potty + Lunch
1:00 PM Calm play (chew toy, cuddle)
1:30
This simple routine helps your puppy learn what to expect and builds trust and confidence:
Time Activity
7:00 AM Wake up & potty outside
7:15 AM Breakfast
7:30 AM Short play & potty again
8:00 AM Nap time in crate
10:00 AM Potty + short training session
10:30 AM Playtime
11:00 AM Nap
12:30 PM Potty + Lunch
1:00 PM Calm play (chew toy, cuddle)
1:30 PM Nap
3:30 PM Potty + leash walk (5–10 min)
4:00 PM Training + quiet time
5:30 PM Dinner
6:00 PM Potty + play
7:00 PM Wind down (cuddles, brushing)
8:00 PM Final potty & bedtime in crate
💡 Tip: Adjust to your own schedule, but keep meals, potty breaks, and naps consistent. Structure = security.