An 8-week-old puppy thrives on routine, as it helps establish good habits, supports their development, and promotes potty training.

Here’s an example schedule to guide you…

Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM)

• 6:00 AM – Wake Up and Potty Break
  • Take your puppy outside to their designated potty spot immediately after waking up.
  • Praise them when they successfully potty.
• 6:30 AM – Breakfast
  • Offer their morning meal in a quiet area with minimal distractions.
  • Puppies at 8 weeks old should eat 3–4 small meals a day.
• 7:00 AM – Playtime and Socialization
  • Engage your puppy in 10-15 minutes of gentle play or bonding.
  • Introduce toys, light training (e.g., sit, stay), and socialization with people or pets.
• 8:00 AM – Nap
  • Puppies need plenty of rest, as they sleep about 18–20 hours per day.
  • Place your puppy in their crate or a quiet, comfortable space for a nap.

Mid-Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

• 9:00 AM – Potty Break
  • Take them outside to reinforce potty training.
• 9:30 AM – Training and Light Play
  • Focus on basic commands or leash training.
  • Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) to match their attention span.
• 10:00 AM – Nap
  • After activity, puppies need rest to recharge.

Afternoon (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

• 12:00 PM – Potty Break and Lunch
  • Another potty break followed by their midday meal.
• 12:30 PM – Exploration and Play
  • Supervise your puppy as they explore their surroundings, or engage in structured playtime.
• 1:00 PM – Nap
  • Puppies will typically need another long nap at this time.
• 2:30 PM – Potty Break
  • Take your puppy outside for a potty break after they wake up.

Late Afternoon/Evening (3:00 PM – 8:00 PM)

• 3:00 PM – Training and Socialization
  • Work on reinforcing basic commands or socializing with new sounds, people, or other pets.
  • This helps build confidence and minimizes fear later in life.
• 4:30 PM – Potty Break
  • Another trip outside for consistency.
• 5:00 PM – Dinner
  • Serve the final meal of the day.
  • Avoid feeding too late at night to prevent accidents during sleep.
• 6:00 PM – Light Playtime
  • Allow your puppy to engage in interactive games (e.g., fetch, tug-of-war).
• 7:00 PM – Calm Time
  • Wind down with calm activities, such as cuddles or quiet crate time.
• 7:30 PM – Final Potty Break
  • Take them out for a potty break before their last nap of the day.

Night (8:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

• 8:00 PM – Relaxation
  • Put your puppy in their crate or sleeping area to relax and settle down for the night.
• 10:30 PM – Last Potty Break
  • Take your puppy out for their last potty break before bedtime.
• 11:00 PM – Bedtime
  • Crate your puppy or place them in their designated sleeping spot for the night.

Key Points to Remember

• Frequent Potty Breaks – Puppies this young need to go outside every 2–3 hours and immediately after waking, eating, or playing.
• Rest is Essential – Your puppy will sleep 18–20 hours daily. Provide a quiet, safe space for uninterrupted naps.
• Structure is Crucial – Consistency helps your puppy feel secure, making training and adaptation easier.
• Supervise and Engage – Always monitor your puppy during playtime and while they’re awake to prevent accidents and reinforce good behavior.

Adhering to a structured schedule ensures your puppy gets the care they need while building a foundation for positive habits. Adjust the timing based on your household’s routine and your puppy’s unique needs.