Raising Your Puppy

Welcome to “Raising Your Puppy”—your trusty guide to wranglin’ the first month with your new little sidekick! From figuring out how to feed your hungry pup, to taming those wild potty training days, to turning crate time into a safe and cozy homestead—we’ve got the know-how you need. Got questions? This is where you’ll find straight-shootin’ answers and practical tips to help you and your pup ride off on the right paw.

Feeding Your Puppy:

Feed your puppy at 8:00 AM (1 cup), then again at 5:00 PM—no later than 6:00 PM to help prevent nighttime accidents.
It’s important to get your puppy comfortable with their crate, so I highly recommend doing all feedings inside the crate. Using a bowl that clips onto the crate is a great way to prevent spills and keep things tidy.
Give your puppy about one hour to eat, then remove any remaining food and save it for later. Avoid leaving food out all day—puppies do best with a consistent feeding schedule rather than free feeding.

Potty Training Your Puppy:

Avoid giving your puppy full access to your home. Limiting their space helps reduce accidents and keeps training on track.
Skip the potty pads inside the house, as they can confuse your puppy and slow down the potty training process.
To help your puppy stay focused, consider using an outdoor playpen so they aren’t distracted, or use a clip-on leash to keep them in one spot.
Each time you go outside, repeat a cue like “go potty.” When your puppy goes in the right place, celebrate it—use an excited voice and praise to reinforce the behavior (treats are optional but can help).
An indoor playpen is a must for keeping your puppy in a safe, controlled space when you can’t supervise closely.
The only time I recommend using potty pads is during vet visits—place one down before setting your puppy on any surface to help protect them from germs.

Crate Training Your Puppy:

For the first month, keep your puppy’s crate in your room to help them feel safe and adjust to their new home. After that, gradually move the crate to a common area—ideally somewhere quiet like a hallway nook or laundry area where they aren’t constantly stimulated.
Help your puppy build a positive association with the crate by encouraging them to walk in and out on their own. Offer praise or a small treat each time they go inside to reinforce that it’s a safe, happy space.
After the first month, place the crate somewhere they can see you come and go so they feel included without becoming overly dependent.
If your puppy has trouble settling, using a crate cover can help create a calm, den-like environment. You can also try playing soft jazz or classical music to help them relax.
It’s a good idea to crate your puppy when you leave the house for short errands—no longer than one hour during the first month.
It’s completely normal for puppies to cry in their crate at first. Do your best not to give in to the crying. Wait until your puppy is calm and settled before approaching or letting them out.
You can add a blanket or towel for comfort, but be prepared for occasional accidents. Avoid giving water in the crate to help prevent messes.
Finally, using a snuggle toy (like the one from your go-home bag) can make a big difference—it mimics the feeling of a littermate and helps ease the transition into their new environment.