For Your Puppy's Transition

Schedule

Your puppy is currently on a schedule in our home.  The less change in schedules the more likely your puppy will have a smooth transition.  If your schedule is quite different, try to slowly switch to the schedule that suits you best.  A slow change will help with housetraining, whining and unwelcomed fits of puppy energy.  Below is a rough timeline of your puppy’s activity and toileting schedule.

· 5:00-6:00am Puppy does a #2 in the litter

· 6:00-06:20 (or for 5 min depending on temperature) goes outside, lots of praise for any #1 or #2

· 6:00-08:00 first daily fit of energy, puppy usually plays and eats during this time

· 08:00-12:00 back to the whelping pen for quiet time

· 12:00-1:00 outside, lots of praise for #1 or #2, short playtime

· Between 4:00-5:00pm back outside, lots of praise - usually #2 outside playtime and snuggling with people until bedtime

· 8:00-9:00pm bedtime for the night

Your puppy should be kept in a confined area if you cannot watch for signs of needing to go outside.  In the confined space I keep a litter, food, water, bed, toys. This space should be no larger than 4x6ish until your puppy is fully using the litter or artificial turf to reduce accidents and your frustration.  

Training

Treat training for commands can start right away, but slowly.  I usually start with their name, then sit, then down once they have fully learned each one I add on.  

Housetraining takes longer for smaller dogs - up to 6 months.  This is why I like the litter or turf and then I fully transition to outside after 6 months of age.

Crate training is always a good idea, it provides a quiet, safe space for you puppy they can go to when they want.  At first a crate with the door open in a confined space, your puppy is already familiar with this and sleeps in and out of the crate.  You can put your puppy into a closed crate starting 1 hour at a time.  Some say you can crate for 1 hour of every month old they are, if puppy is 2 months old then 2 hours MAX in the crate.  They cannot hold their business for long enough to use a crate with the door closed overnight or for long periods of time.  Crates should never be used as punishment for your puppy.

Energy

Your puppy has been playing with and stimulated by their littermates for the last 8-10 weeks. There is an adjustment period and your puppy will be seeking attention from you!  I suggest play sessions first thing in the morning and then at the “after work” time - like the schedule above.  

Sleep

At bedtime if there is some whining or crying on the first night, it will pass and they will go to sleep.  If you take your puppy out into your room or bed, you have just set a new expectation (any crying or whining will continue after the first few nights).  Everyone likes to spend time with their puppy differently, be aware that the first few days and nights will set the stage for the expectations your puppy will have of you and your time together.

Congratulations on your New Puppy!