Puppy Schedule - 12 Weeks and Beyond

If you’re looking for a great puppy schedule, especially for a 12-week-old puppy you’ve come to the right place! It’s good to keep a puppy schedule daily and a puppy routine will keep you AND your new puppy a little more sane! Schedules can be so helpful in puppy training and dog training. The schedule can help you see what puppy supplies you need, it will help with crate training, and potty training too. It can be an uncertain time when bringing a new puppy home and puppy accidents are frustrating too. And then you wonder how to stop puppy crying! Tune into Michele Lennon and How to Train a Dream Dog for some great tips on puppy care, schedules, working with a 16-week-old puppy or a new dog, and how to prepare for a puppy. We can also help you with a puppy training schedule while working full time. If you have a young puppy, we can help!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ FREE New Puppy Starter Kit - for new puppy owners ]
www.howtotrain...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The online puppy training Program: 30 Days to Puppy Perfection:
www.howtotrain...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Create the PERFECT Puppy Schedule with the Puppy Schedule Mini-Course:
www.howtotrain...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Better Puppy Behavior Workshop:
www.howtotrain...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grab Your Puppy Training Supplies
www.howtotrain...
Indestructabone Use code dreamdog for 10% off howtotrainadre...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KZbin Videos
What to Expect the First Year: 1:13 • Puppy Training 101 - W...
Puppy Blues 1:58 • Puppy Blues 101
How to Get Puppy to Sleep Longer: 3:20 • How to Get Puppy to Sl...
How to Help Your Puppy Relax 8:48 • How To Calm Your Dog D...
Prepare Your Puppy for the Groomer:10:03 • Dog Grooming Tips - Ge...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with us and say Hi on Social Media:
Join the Facebook Group For Puppy Owners:
(Be sure to fill out all three questions when requesting to join the group)
howtotrainadre...
Instagram:
/ howtotrainadreamdog
Pinterest:
/ howtotrainadreamdog
Email the team:
[e-mail]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blogs:
The Best Way to Train Your Puppy: www.howtotrain...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note this description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Thanks for watching Puppy Schedule - 12 Weeks and Beyond. In the comments below tell us what you're going to adjust with your pup's schedule!

[@SharonBiancaniello]

Thank you. I feel like this schedule will help us. Mollie is 3 months old (14 weeks. She sleeps 6-7 hours at night. Rings bells on door to go out. 95% housebroken!! She will sit, come to name, lie down and stay for short distances. Most training is indoors with some outside as she needs one more set of shots before we can leave the house. Sometimes we take a car ride. Love your videos.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Thanks for watching! Sounds like Mollie is doing great! Be sure to get her outside for positive exposure sessions starting now. A critical window will close around 16 weeks so we want to be sure to start exposing her to things positively so she can grow confidence for a lifetime!

[@areli5873]

I've got a 3 month old samoyed puppy, and the puppy blues are real, we are still trying to built a schedule that works for us. He behaves very good when all his needs are met, but it takes some time to get him to calm down for naps, we are working on a schedule that can make him have a calmer mood when is nap time. We are going to try this one, Thanks for the helpful advice!!

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

You're welcome! Keep at it, you'll get there!

[@LisaPierce-Wirth]

My puppy is 12 weeks old. She just came home last night, so we don't have a schedule yet. Thanks for all of the great tips!

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

You are so welcome!

[@SharonBiancaniello]

I’ve been told she can only be in our yard until she has had her final shots which is April 3 and she will be 14 weeks. Now we are only walking in yard. Thanks for your comment.

[@noth9617]

Thanks for this video. I started off well. Since that’s what I do. I start work at 6am so I’ve been getting up with the (11week old) puppy at 5, taking her out, having a play, small amount of food with training and then another 1/2 of her breakfast in a puzzle toy while I get dressed and pack the kids school lunches. She’s only happy in her pen until the food runs out, so then I take her back to bed and it’s time for me to leave for work. My husband gets the kids up and ready for school so I like her to be asleep for a while. She wakes up at 630 and my 11yo son is in charge of potty, giving her her breakfast in a lickimat and then playing with her for a little before she goes back to bed at 730 so I can take everyone to school and get some things sorted. I put music on for her for while she’s in her crate and if she isn’t really ready for sleep yet or she’s not happy going to sleep I’ll put a kong in her crate with her. But she will cry again when the kong runs out. I can’t take her out yet as she’s not fully vaccinated but next week we will be able to take your advice on seeing new areas and having new experiences. I also never thought to break it up so outside time isn’t always play time but only potty time. I didn’t think of that. My puppy loves training but I struggle to find toys she likes to play with me with. She likes soft toys mainly but with that she also likes soft things like her bed or my socks or someone’s robe. 😂 I’m trying to get her used to the times she has to be alone, because we’re pretty busy so I have her crated between 730-930am, 1030-12:30, 1:30-330 and 5:30- 7:30 but maybe to fit more in as she ages I need to stretch out both her wake and sleep windows. On the weekends I work at an animal shelter so my husband and kids are home with her. They find it a lot of work and I’m worried about them being able to do all the things while staying calm especially as she gets sillier and more defiant. I wonder if there’s a “take your dog to work” schedule I could use to have her crated at work and take her out on my breaks.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

We can help you design your own schedule at the PRO level of our online course. The info you learn from the course and the personalized guidance can also really benefit your work at the shelter. 30 Days to Puppy Perfection: www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-perfection-course-learn-more/

[@wendysprague3995]

Our puppy 11 weeks old, we've had her for 3 weeks today. I feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

It gets better with time and training. Have you seen this video yet? It can help you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ7deYyFo7Wbi68

[@hannahbell1612]

This is close to what I've been doing with my puppy. I didn't know about not playing with him after eating but I learned after he got hiccups lol.

[@Alyssa-ui7bf]

My puppy is 5.5 months old. It’s time for a better schedule! Because right now he naps well but he is still so crazy when awake 😅. So I think we need to adjust a bit in addition to amping up our training 😊thanks as always for this video!

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

We are glad it was helpful! If you find that you need more help, we have a new schedule mini course that can provide you some more great information. In addition to information about how to build a good schedule, you'll get info on wake windows per age (how long your dog should be awake between naps), the best sleep guide, 101 activities to do with your dog and sample schedules for dogs up to 2 years old. You'll love it! courses.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-schedule-mini-course

[@mr.b9597]

So my pup wakes up most of the time by 530 and i dont like to get up for the day till 630 is okay if i put him back in crate and feed him then? And start the schedule

[@emilydurkee8664]

This is perfect timing! Thank you. I really appreciate the pictures and videos with examples, it's very helpful. My puppy is 14 weeks old, my biggest take away is I need to take him to a new place at least 3 times a week

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

It's almost like we read your mind! 😉 So glad you found this video helpful. Stay tuned!

[@Silkencira1710]

Thank you for this! We have had a puppy schedule but I wasn't sure about the amount of training/playing. This is very helpful ❤️ we have a 12 week old silken windsprite and i will be returning to school next week a few days while my partner is at home so we will see how that goes 🤣🙏

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

We are glad it was helpful! We have a video specifically about going back to school. In case you haven't seen it, you might find some extra tips! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpaUpGqZnpZop9U

[@aakksshhaayy]

This schedule is almost as busy as my full time job.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Yep! Puppies are a lot of work when they are young, because it's the best time to teach them. It gets easier as they become an adult... if you've done the right things when they are young.

[@staciamj1]

Monty is adorable!

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

He's a good boy. 😁

[@erinmarks4079]

That’s me! My pup is 14 weeks old!!

[@rere8654]

Our morkie puppy is 12 weeks old and we have had her 2 days and she is not liking the playpen or going outside in the rain. I just found your videos so I will be watching all I can. We live in Liberty, Texas

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Hey there! Your puppy is still just a baby, and as you said has only been home for 2 days. It'll take a bit of time before she's more comfortable in this new environment. We wish you the best of luck on your training journey. Here are a couple of our resources that could be a great help to you along the way! New Puppy Starter Kit: howtotrainadreamdog.com 30 Days to Puppy Perfection: www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-perfection-course-learn-more/

[@rere8654]

Thank you!!!

[@MrsC48]

We have our puppy on a pretty good schedule. She has a crate for evenings and a large playpen for feeding and naps during the day. She gets a lot of backyard time. Unfortunately, we can't take her anywhere. No walks, no pet stores, no parks. . .nowhere. Parvo is rampant where we live so our vet has advised us to not let our pup's feet touch the ground anywhere except our backyard until she is fully vaccinated. That's months from now and she's already 3 months old. She's been to the dog park to 'sight see' out the car window. It's quite frustrating.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

You are doing a great job with the sight seeing. Try stopping in parking lots and rolling the windows down and let her smell and see things at the same time. Her sense of smell is so good, this is almost as good as her being on the ground. You can also desensitize to things at home including noises that she might encounter outside.

[@coffeecat086]

Move that schedule about 5:30, and it’s legit spot on for how my Scooby does on his own.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@MsPotentialis]

I love your channel and all your great advice! 1st time dog owner and this 12 week-old Maltipoo puppy is giving me a run for my money! Lol There seems a be a hiccup in the schedule slides: for 2pm, you mentioned a nap after the decompression walk, drive-thru and cool down but it’s not shown. You then mentioned a potty break and Monty being up until after his 5pm dinner until about 7:30pm. Just wondering, would the nap be from around 2pm to 3:30/4pm and then he’s up until approximately 7:30pm if another nap is taken?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Yes exactly! A nap after his afternoon adventure and then they can either nap while you're busy with dinner, or if they're not ready for a nap, it's a great time for some independent play.

[@ldanke7658]

Perfect video. We are working with a schedule for potty, meals and bedtime. But it is hard to figure exactly what to work on each specific training session. Our hardest time is outside for our play time. Our 12 week old puppy thinks pebbles are the most fun to grab...or pull up grass. Fetch and chase and tug work for a bit then the pebble search kicks in....Were going to incorporate some of yyour more structured suggestions. Thank you for your videos

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Kudos to you for watching and learning! If this is helpful, we have two more great resources for you! One is our Puppy Training with Michele Lennon Facebook group. You can learn from other puppy owners, see our team's suggestions and ask your own! howtotrainadreamdog.com/FB-group Another is our online course, 30 Days to Puppy Perfection: www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-perfection-course-learn-more/ where you'll find over 50+ videos, worksheets, charts, checklists, and tons of other resources to help you with all your puppy’s training.

[@KellyLopez-q9n]

My puppy is 3 Months and she still on a schedule, especially potty breaks. I take her out in the morning and sometimes she goes and sometimes she doesn't. Then of course if she doesn't go I find her getting ready to squat inside. I pick her up and run down two flights of stairs and nothing. I even tried to get her out with my older dog who is 4 years. And while he's taking care of his business, she wants to play. Ugh!!!! What am I doing wrong? HELP!!!! Thank you Kelly.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

You might need to stay out with her a little longer, or allow her to walk around and sniff. If you think she's getting too distracted and forgetting to go, then you might try to find a quieter area and stay in one spot. You have to experiment with a few different methods to find the one that works for you. If you have a patio or balcony you could also get a grassy pad for those quick potty outings. Our free New Puppy Starter Kit can also help you with all things regarding potty training! learn.howtotrainadreamdog.com/yt/new-puppy-starter-kit/

[@erinwilson6482]

Great video! Is there a summary of the schedule in one place?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Hi Erin! We do have a summary and print-outs in our Puppy Schedule Mini Course if you'd like to go more in-depth: courses.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-schedule-mini-course

[@erinwilson6482]

@@HowToTrainADreamDog thank you! I have that course and am working my way through the 30 day course too. So many awesome resources I forget where things are 🥰

[@keys4utoday]

It sounds like a stay home mom. I think it would be great to do the working mom and dad.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Here's video for people that work full time and want to raise a puppy kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJTPZGapmp2Xe6M

[@Shawnalee311]

Our puppy is 12 weeks old he's a Chorkie, his name is Moose. He's kind of starting a schedule. It's hard and yes overwhelming. I work 4-5 days in a week so he is at home with my wife. He is slowly getting used to my work schedule, as I am usually gone from 10, 11 to 7 a couple days and 12-9:45 or 10pm one day. So this varies. He does whine and cry a bit when I go, and throughout the day as well. But he does get a lot of attention, I know he just misses his mommy, he doesn't really eat a lot when I am gone. We're currently working on that as well.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Kudos for picking up on your puppies signals and following a schedule! It takes a lot of time and patience with a new puppy. Hang in there! For extra support, we'd love to see you in our Puppy Training with Michele Lennon Facebook group: howtotrainadreamdog.com/FB-group

[@heidihunter8791]

Hi Michelle! Heidi & Lou here! Lou has just turned 15 weeks, he is a great Pyrenees. My little one seems to sleep a lot, though he seems to be very active in his sleep from twitching his paws, sniffing, woofing, and I think nursing. His little personality is just starting to emerge! Thanks to your How to Train a Dream Puppy classes, he is a dreamy little guy! ;) Thank you for another great video!! p.s. you amazon link said it was not active and I would like to see your recommendation for car seat harness.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Hello! Oh my gosh those paw twitches get me every time. So happy you're enjoying the content. So sorry about the Amazon store link they are working on that for us. Hopefully we'll have that back up soon.

[@bonnieharris5916]

The link to the puppy guide is not working today.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Our free New Puppy Starter Kit contains some great information about your new puppy and the best potty training advice! learn.howtotrainadreamdog.com/yt/new-puppy-starter-kit/

[@tracytupanlive.learn.love.6848]

My Pomeranian is just 3 months old. I have a play pen at home where he can play, sleep, potty and eat. I already did a schedule that will fit my work. Is it alright if I only allow him to go out of his play pen when he's done eating, peeing and pooping? I am afraid he will mess outside because I'm still starting to introduce the schedule to him. He has a 30mins break in the morning at 9:30am until 10am we are cuddling and playing at this time before his milk time then I bring him back to his pen for a quick nap and rest so I could also do other tasks at home. Then, 1hour break in the afternoon at 5to6pm where we bond, walk and play again after that I put him back in his pen until sleeping time. Am I doing the right thing for him or should I give more time & freedom for him to roam around the house? He's well behaved in his pen but sometimes I think he's getting bored because I'm seeing him chewing the grills in his pen, what should I do about it? Thank you.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

It's fine to adjust the schedule and see how he does. As puppies grow they often need a schedule adjustment because they are getting more curious and have more energy. If you'd like some more information on schedules, including sample schedules for dogs up to age 2, you'll love our schedule mini course: courses.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-schedule-mini-course

[@sandywheeler7958]

The new puppy schedule has been extremely helpful for us. I didn’t see a huge difference between that one and the one in this video, mainly the exposure, did I miss something?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

So glad it was helpful! And correct, just a few minor changes as they get older. Keep up the amazing work!

[@mr.b9597]

So my pup wakes up most of the time by 530 for potty and i dont like to get up for the day till 630 is okay if i put him back in crate and feed him And then start the schedule at 630?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

If that works for you and your puppy that's fine! You will probably notice that he starts to sleep later as he gets older.

[@Alyssa-ui7bf]

Does this schedule work for older puppies? What do you typically say needs adjusting as they get older? (6 mos-1 year)

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

As puppies get older their wake windows (time between naps) get longer, and they can handle more variations in the schedule. They also tend to respond to the energy in the environment more (you are relaxing, they relax, you are active, they are active). If you'd like some additional schedule help, including sample schedules that we recommend for dogs up to age 2, you'll love our new mini course: courses.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-schedule-mini-course

[@dragbug100]

So if the puppy goes down at 10 pm and is up at 5 am....are you expecting them to sleep through the night or were there potty breaks? That was never really explained.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

In our first video on puppy schedules, I mentioned that some pups may still need to go out in the middle of the night while others have matured enough to be able to hold it throughout the night. The same is applicable for our 12-16 week old pups too. Since each dog grows and matures at a different pace it's hard to say if yours should be sleeping through the night or not. Only you will be able to tell based on what you're seeing in the schedule now.

[@sarariella]

Hi I got a 12 week old chihuahua and he is tiny I would like to take him on decompression walks but he is TINY and it’s really cold between -3 to 0 Celsius. What would you recommend for outside socialisation, should I just wait till it gets warmer but then risk this critical window? Ty in advance..p.s love your videos ❤

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Great question! We don't recommend you miss this socialization window, but you can find a way to get him outside but still stay warm. You can do some people watching / air sniffing from the car, you can take him to pet friendly places indoors, you can desensitize a sweater for him and you can make the outings very very short. Here are some good tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5m7n4SvrdyJi7s

[@clairemorris3112]

Is there a video about a schedule for a year old dog? I have a year old dog and we didn't really know anything about training when we got her and would love to do a reset.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Dogs who are one year of age tend to only need about 14 hours of sleep each day. You can still provide appropriate activities each day, such as licking, chewing, sniffing, digging and shredding. Simply use this schedule as a rough outline and fill in the blanks with your dog's preferences as well as your ability!

[@Alyssa-ui7bf]

The online course you talk about around 5:13… is that your $27 course? 😊

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

If you're looking for help for confidence building in the pen or crate, you'll want our crate games. They can be found either in the mini course for crate training ($47) or the full online course which includes those crate games plus leash skills, recall, stay, impulse control, drop it, leave it and more. Let me know if that answers your question! Crate training mini course: courses.howtotrainadreamdog.com/crate-training-course 30 Days to Puppy Perfection full course: www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-perfection-course-learn-more/

[@laurabp9935]

Scout is about 4 and 1/2 months old. I knew a routine would need to be created. I started one and then got sick. So Scout is being patient with me (he’s actually getting into everything so I see the need for a routine!) and we are getting back on track. I took away that zoonoses are actually overtired puppies activity. I thought they were just cute silly laps around the house. Lol. Our schedule will get more specific starting today. Thanks!!

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

We are so glad this video was helpful. You got this! Let us know how your adjustments go in our Puppy Training with Michele Lennon Facebook group: howtotrainadreamdog.com/FB-group

[@donnaluppino2958]

Help! EEk, I have a puppy and 3 other big dogs. I followed your new puppy guide it worked, until I had to go on a trip. Now she rules over the older dogs because she is daddies baby and he did not keep her on schedule. The older dogs will not play with her anymore. She is 7 months now and scared of people etc. I have no idea how to get her back on schedule or to get my husband to keep her on schedule. It is like she runs the house. My other dogs are left out it feels. Help please. You are outstanding trainer. This human needs training. Thank you.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Oh my! It's not too late. We might be able to help you best at the Pro-Level where you can submit photos and videos in our private student-only facebook group for our trainers to review and give feedback to. You can also have a back-and-forth conversation with them on one of the three zoom calls a week. Check it out here: www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-perfection-course-learn-more/

[@mearis8133]

Do you have tips for those of us who work out of the home?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Here is a perfect video for tips on how to stay productive working from home when you have a puppy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpvKdIStZdWSm6M

[@bowmn31]

Impossible schedule for most normal people

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Puppies are a lot of work at first. It's important to evaluate if you have the time to devote to their needs. It gets a lot easier when they become adults!

[@erinmarks4079]

14 weeks growling land shark

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Here is a great video that can help you with puppy biting! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHOsZquFiKmEg9U

[@denitacountiss4460]

Please fix your Amazon link! I would like to get some of the things you mentioned, but you Amazon dose not work.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Hi Denita! We've been having some technical difficulties and are working to resolve those ASAP. Is there anything specific we can help you find?

[@shawnhill7588]

I just got a 4 month old Aussiedoodle 5 days ago that was re-homed because the previous owners did not have time to spend with him. I know that he was kept in a pen the whole day by himself and have no idea where he slept at night. I have a bed for him on the floor in my bedroom and at bedtime, which is around 10:30pm, he goes right to sleep. I usually wake up around 2:30am to use the bathroom and I take him outside for a potty break. He goes right back to sleep until 6:30am. I am concerned that trying to incorporate the crate at this point would be fruitless but would gating off the laundry room for a pen be sufficient? All of your ideas in this video will be invaluable as we get a schedule set up!

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Hey there Shawn! One of the professional trainers here at How to Train a Dream Dog - I highly suggest that you join our online course, 30 Days to Puppy Perfection: www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-perfection-course-learn-more/ Because of your unique situation, I believe that you need the back-and-forth conversations that we offer in the Facebook Group and the weekly Zoom calls. There we will be able to work together to figure out what exactly will work best for you AND your new puppy! In the meantime, I recommend against using laundry rooms, as sometimes the smells in those rooms can be so overwhelming and make our pups fairly uncomfortable.

[@noahbergman1325]

Do you know can I give my kitty kinpur treats? She is 13 weeks

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

While we mostly focus on dogs, we recommend asking your veterinarian about new treats given to make sure they're safe for your specific kitten!

[@rachelcrossen8136]

Yea so no job. How realistic is that?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

No, that's not what I'm sayin'. I did mention that it is recommended that you ask for help or hire a pet sitter/dog walker just as you'd do for a human child.

[@dmac2573]

Maybe you shouldn’t own a puppy

[@rmhjules7295]

Luckily I live with my mom and she helped with my puppy until he was old enough to go to work with me. But yeah if I didn’t have her I wouldn’t have gotten a puppy. They are SO MUCH WORK. I always got retired show dogs, already crate trained, perfect for grooming, no bad habits 😚👌🏻 I have no idea what made me think it was a good idea to get a puppy but here we are going thru it. I got a case of the puppy blues and didn’t know what it was and I stumbled upon an article online. I thought I was going crazy or something. Anyways the jury’s out on whether or not I’ll ever get another puppy …. I can’t wait till he’s grown 😑

[@jennb1152]

Um you don’t “need” a puppy. There are plenty of grown dogs who need homes too that are much better with potty training!

[@juanramirezsierra6515]

No time to be a human…

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Puppies are a lot of work! Hang in there! For extra support, you can always post your questions in the Puppy Training with Michele Lennon Facebook group: howtotrainadreamdog.com/FB-group

[@beans4gas]

Quit your job and get a puppy. 😅

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

No, you don't have to quit your job, don't worry Dave! 😂 Here is a great video on puppy schedules while working full time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJTPZGapmp2Xe6M