Puppy Routine & Safety

Puppy routine – sleep, eat, potty, play, repeat

A puppy's day is ruled by their need to sleep, eat and potty. A young pup needs a lot of supervision as they learn how to "hold it" and this means confining them to a small space such as a crate or puppy pen when you cannot watch them. 

The key to success with house training your pup is consistency and patience. Puppies will have accidents, it's just part of the learning process. The best way to prevent accidents is to provide your pup with plenty of opportunities to go outside to do their business. This means regular trips outside, even if they don't need to "go". Always enthusiastically reward your pup for toileting in the “right”place, but never punish them if they get it wrong. 

Puppies also need a lot of exercise, which means plenty of play time. But, puppies get tired quickly and need to take frequent naps. 

A few important safety concerns to be aware of

• Choking hazards: Be sure to keep small objects and food items out of reach as puppies are notorious for putting everything in their mouths. 

• Electrical cords: Puppies love to chew on electrical cords and this can be a dangerous habit that can lead to serious injury. Be sure to keep all cords tucked away and out of reach. 

• Household plants or toxic foods for dogs: Some household plants and foods for dogs can be poisonous if ingested so it's best to keep them out of reach or remove them completely from the home. There’s a handy reference list of many house and garden plants here https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

• Medications: Be sure to keep all medications, even over the counter ones, out of reach as they can be dangerous or even deadly to puppies if ingested.

• Tobacco and vaping equipment. This is extremely toxic for dogs, so once again keep it out of reach. 

By following these simple safety tips, you can help create a safe and happy environment for your new puppy to grow and thrive in.

We go into more detail in Chapter 5: Preparing for pup's arrival about puppy proofing your home – but here's a general overview of what you need to know about puppy safety:

Car safety

As a new puppy owner, it's important to be aware of the dangers that can exist in and around cars. Here are a few tips to help keep your puppy safe: 

• Never leave your puppy unattended in a car – the temperature inside a parked car can rise quickly to dangerous levels, even on a cool day. 

• Be sure your puppy is properly restrained in the car. They should either be in a travel-safe carrier that is secured in the back seat or, in a travel bed or booster seat if your pup loves to see the world go by in the car. Make sure you are following the rules of your state about safe restraint, as these may vary depending on where you live. 

• Never let your puppy ride in the front seat as this puts them at risk for serious injury in the event of a car accident. 

• When travelling with your puppy, make sure to take plenty of breaks so they can stretch their legs and use the restroom. 

Toxic foods

There are a number of everyday food items that can be toxic to puppies, so it's important to be aware of what to keep out of reach. 

Here is a list of some common food items that are poisonous to puppies:

Toxic foods

• Onion & garlic

  Onions and garlic contain a chemical called thiosulphate, which can be toxic to dogs.

• Grapes & raisins

  While a healthy snack for people, grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage in dogs.

• Coffee & chocolate

  Coffee contains caffeine which can be dangerous to dogs in large amounts. 

• Xylitol

  Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is found in many items such as gum, candy, and baked goods.

Other toxic foods include:

• Macadamia nuts

• Avocado

• Alcohol

Some other foods to avoid giving your pup:

• Large quantities of cow's milk (some dogs are lactose intolerant)

• Salt

• Cooked bones (can cause splinter and cause internal injury)

• Wild mushrooms

Always talk to your vet if you're feeling unsure. And if you suspect your puppy has ingested something poisonous, be sure to seek veterinary attention. 

Outdoor & pool safety

Puppies love to explore and play, but it's important to keep them safe while they're outdoors. Here are a few tips: 

• Keep an eye on your puppy at all times when they're outdoors. If you can't be there to supervise, confine them to a secure area. 

• Be aware of your puppy's surroundings and make sure there are no hazards that they could get into. 

• Keep an eye on the weather and be aware of extreme temperatures that could be dangerous for your puppy. 

• Never leave your puppy unattended near a pool or other body of water – they could fall in and drown. If your puppy does fall into a pool or other body of water, be sure to have a way to get them out quickly and safely. 

• Be careful with introductions to unfamiliar places and unfamiliar dogs until your puppy is fully vaccinated, and make sure to check dogs are friendly before allowing your puppy to approach them

Children safety

If you have children in your home, it's important to take some extra precautions to keep everyone safe. Here are a few tips: 

• Teach your children to be “gentle” with puppies – and learn to not to pull on their tail or ears.

• Avoid leaving the child and puppy unattended together. Even the best behaved puppy can have an accident, and children can be unpredictable. 

• Be sure your child knows to never give food to the puppy without asking first. Some foods that are safe for humans can be toxic to dogs. 

• Make sure your child knows to never approach a strange dog – it’s a good habit to always ask the owner for permission first. 

Overfeeding & underfeeding

Puppies need the proper amount of food to grow and develop properly. Overfeeding or underfeeding can have consequences. Here are a few tips: 

• Follow the instructions on your puppy food’s packaging or consult with your veterinarian about how much food your puppy needs each day and stick to that schedule. 

• Don't allow your puppy to free feed. This means having food available to them at all times. This can lead to overeating and obesity. 

• Don't feed your puppy table scraps. This can lead to them begging for food and getting into the garbage. 

• Make sure your puppy has access to fresh water at all times.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure your puppy stays safe and gets the proper nutrition they need. Follow our puppy feeding guide for more information. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure your puppy stays safe and gets the proper nutrition they need.