Should I feed my puppy as soon as he wakes up? The Ultimate Guide

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There are so many new experiences and things to think about when you bring home your puppy that 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 what’s 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 establishing good 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 won’t have to plan out every moment of your pup’s day, but there are a few important areas where a schedule can make the difference between a well-adjusted dog and chaos.

Unlike mature dogs that eat once or twice a day, most puppies need to eat puppy food three 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 it’s always filled with clean water, too.

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 during house training and will keep accidents to a minimum.

Should I feed my puppy as soon as he wakes up?

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. Different dog breeds have different energy levels and rates of growth; the growth plates in their joints close at different ages. But do schedule play and exercise time into your puppy’s 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.

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 he’s sleeping. He needs his rest! You may need to put a crate in a quiet part of the house so he won’t 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.

Should I Wake My Puppy up to Eat?

Should I feed my puppy as soon as he wakes up?

Rest assured, a standard puppy will sleep at least, give or take, 20 hours a day which is necessary for its overall growth. The fact is, for all its worth, your puppy is the only thing that matters.

So it is highly applicable to you to know what behavior is normal, what is not, and what you should do as a puppy parent.

How Many Times a Day Should DOGS EAT? – Puppies and Adults

  • Rotate The Toys. …
  • Play Hide & Seek. …
  • Set Up An Obstacle Course. …
  • Play The Shell Game. …
  • Chase Bubbles to Tire Out a Dog. …
  • Feed Your Dog Using A Food Toy. …
  • Play Fetch. …
  • Wrestle Or Play Tug.
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