New Puppy: Here’s What You Should Know

by Hannah Roundy

Here are a few helpful guidelines on training puppies and keeping them healthy.

Who doesn’t love puppies? They are the dogs we know and love in a pint-sized package. With their tiny paws and playful spirits, it’s a challenge not to fall in love with puppies. 

In fact, puppies are so universally adored that some countries have a dedicated puppy day holiday. In the US, National Puppy Day is celebrated annually on March 23rd. 

Adopting a puppy is a completely different experience compared to adopting an adult or senior dog. Since they are so young, puppies aren’t usually trained and will definitely need some guidance from their pet parents. 

Here are a few helpful guidelines on training puppies and keeping them healthy.

How Many Times a Day Should a Puppy Eat?


Some folks assume that puppies need a small amount of food. Quite the contrary – since puppies are growing so fast, they need a lot of food! 

The answer to how many times a day should a puppy eat is several times a day. It’s best to feed puppies small portions multiple times a day to keep their energy levels consistent throughout the day. Small portions are also easier to digest in their tiny tummies. 

Read more about how many times a day should a puppy eat on our blog.

How To Toilet Train a Puppy in 7 Days


There are multiple methods on how to toilet train a puppy in 7 days. But the key to success in potty training is patience, enthusiasm, and consistency. 

Be sure to take your puppy outside to go potty after meals, naps, and playtime. It seems like a hassle but they’ll quickly learn when and where to go to the bathroom. 

Give your puppy a command or cue to associate with toilet training. When you take your dog out to go potty, repeat the cue a few times. Say “good potty” or “yes” after they’ve finished outside so they know that going outside is a good habit. 

Rewards are essential when learning how to toilet train a puppy in 7 days. Give them treats and belly scratches after successfully going potty outside to reinforce positive behavior.

Keep in mind that every pup is different and might need a little more time to be completely potty trained. Be patient with them as they learn and grow!

How Many Times a Day Do Puppies Sleep?


How many times a day do puppies sleep?

xPuppies are like newborn babies in a way because they mostly just eat, poop, sleep, and repeat the cycle over again. 

Depending on how many weeks they are, puppies need around 15-20 hours of sleep a day. They require less sleep as they age every few weeks.
  • 8-9 weeks old - 20 hours a day
  • 10-12 weeks old - 18-20 hours a day
  • 13-20 weeks old - 15-18 hours a day

We know how much sleep they need, but how many times a day do puppies sleep? It’s best to let your puppy nap for around two hours 3-5 times during the day. 

They will sleep for longer periods of time at night or when you go to bed. Puppies can usually sleep around 6 to 8 hours at night – although they make wake you up for a potty break! And here’s how to help your dog get a good night’s sleep as they get older too. 

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