12/30/2025
I had a great questions today from one of my pup parents who is new to owning a puppy. I felt the questions would be a good post for today. It’s a long read but worth it!
Questions:
1. What should the day to day look like in the life of a puppy?
2. How many times should we take the pup out, how much walking?
3. How much time playing and giving one on one attention?
4. Do we take outside for potty training or train to use the p*e pad holder thing you used.
5. At home training or trainer?
Answers:
What day-to-day looks like with a puppy (real life version)
Think of puppies as babies with bursts of energy. Their day is mostly:
• Potty
• Eat
• Play a little
• Sleep
• Repeat
They need structure, not constant activity.
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How often to take the puppy out (this is the big one)
General rule:
• Every 1–2 hours when awake
• Immediately:
• When they wake up
• After eating
• After playing
• Before bed
That usually ends up being 10–15 potty trips a day at first.
This drops quickly as they grow and learn.
⏱️ Potty trips are quick — outside, business, praise, back inside.
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Potty training: outside vs p*e pad (important!)
Because your puppy is young and small, I recommend:
✅ Both at first (temporary plan)
Why:
• They physically can’t always hold it yet
• It prevents accidents and stress
• It helps during bad weather, nights, or if you’re busy
How it works:
• Outside = preferred
• P*e pad holder = backup
You will:
• Take the pup outside often
• Use the pad if you miss the timing or overnight
• Gradually phase the pad out as bladder control improves
👉 This does NOT confuse puppies when done correctly.
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Walking: how much is enough?
🚫 No real “walks” yet
Young puppies:
• Should NOT go on long walks
• Joints are still developing
What to do instead:
• Short leash practice in the yard or driveway
• 5–10 minutes max, a couple times a week
• Let them sniff — sniffing is mental exercise
Rule of thumb:
5 minutes per month of age, up to twice a day
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Playtime & one-on-one attention
Structured play:
• 3–5 short play sessions/day
• 10–15 minutes each
• Tug, toys, gentle chasing, training games
One-on-one bonding:
• Petting
• Talking
• Holding
• Calm time together
💡 Puppies do NOT need constant entertainment — too much stimulation can actually make them overtired and wild.
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Sleep (this surprises most people)
Puppies sleep 18–20 hours a day 😴
If your puppy gets bitey, wild, or cranky:
➡️ They probably need a nap, not more play.
Crate or playpen naps are your best friend.
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A very simple sample day
Morning
• Potty
• Eat
• Potty
• Play 10 minutes
• Nap
Midday
• Potty
• Play/training
• Potty
• Nap
Afternoon
• Potty
• Short leash time/sniffing
• Play
• Nap
Evening
• Eat
• Potty
• Calm play/snuggles
• Potty
• Bed
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🐶 Online training programs (like Baxter & Bella)
This is a great choice if:
• You’re motivated and consistent
• You like step-by-step guidance
• You’re home a lot with the puppy
Programs like Baxter & Bella cover:
• Potty training
• Crate training
• Biting/nipping
• Leash basics
• Daily routines
💡 Many first-time owners do very well with an online program alone.
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🐾 Hiring a trainer
This may be better if:
• You want hands-on help
• You feel unsure or overwhelmed
• You want someone to correct things in real time
A trainer is especially helpful for:
• Potty training troubleshooting
• Leash manners
• Jumping or nipping
• Confidence building
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⭐ Best of both worlds (my favorite)
• Start with Baxter & Bella (or a similar program)
• Add a few private trainer sessions if needed
You don’t have to commit to months of training — even 3–5 sessions can be very effective.
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Reassurance
You don’t have to decide right away.
Most families wait a couple weeks, see how things go, and then decide.
There’s no “wrong” choice — consistency matters more than which option you choose 💛
