As many of you know, my family and I have been fostering dogs and puppies for over 20 years. In that time, we’ve helped more than 400 dogs find loving forever homes. Each dog is different and each dog has taught us something new. However, there is one thing that never changes. The power of consistency.
Let’s be real, raising a puppy is no joke. The rumors are true: having a cat is like living with a moody teenager, but having a puppy? That’s full-on newborn energy. And just like with babies, consistency is key.
One of the questions I get asked the most is: “Do you have the puppies on a schedule?” And the answer is always YES—absolutely. It’s how we survive (and thrive) with a house full of dogs.
Right now, we’re fostering seven six-week-old puppies and caring for our own three dogs, so that’s ten dogs under one roof. A solid routine isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the schedule we use with our foster puppies and share why having a daily structure is one of the best gifts you can give your pup.
Why Routines Matter
Dogs, especially puppies, feel more secure when they know what’s coming next. Predictable schedules reduce anxiety, improve behavior, and build trust. Whether you’re raising one puppy or a whole litter, a routine helps them feel safe and helps you keep your sanity.
Routines also help immensely with training. When meals, potty breaks, naps, and playtimes happen at consistent intervals, puppies begin to anticipate and learn what’s expected of them. This leads to faster potty training, smoother crate training, and fewer behavior issues like barking or chewing.
For us, managing ten dogs means structure isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary. Without a routine, chaos quickly takes over, and the dogs feel that stress too. But with a rhythm in place, everyone can relax and enjoy each day. Puppies feel more confident, and we feel more in control. That’s a win-win in any dog-loving home.
Our Summer Puppy Routine
**Keep in mind, this is the system that works for our houseful of pups. Feel free to tailor it to fit your family’s lifestyle:
6:00–7:00 AM – Morning Potty Break & Walk
We literally run from the laundry room straight outside. I walk the yard while the puppies follow me and go potty. This early walk helps them burn off that crazy morning energy before the sun gets too hot.
7:30 AM – Breakfast Time
Use slow feeders to help prevent gulping and support calm, mindful eating.
8:00 AM – Play & Training Time
The older the puppy gets the more you will be able to work on basic commands or introduce puzzle toys. A few minutes of focused training each day adds up fast!
9:00 AM – Nap Time
Puppies need lots of rest to grow strong and healthy.
12:00 PM – Midday Potty & Outdoor Time
We keep this one short and shady, with water bowls on standby. Summer heat creeps in fast, so hydration is key.
1:00 PM – Lunch or Snack + Indoor Play
We rotate chew toys, treat puzzles, or enrichment games to keep their brains busy without overstimulating them. An exercised dog is a happy dog.
3:00 PM – Nap Round Two
Yes, they really sleep this much! It helps regulate their energy and keeps them from becoming overtired and cranky. We all need our space.
5:30 PM – Evening Walk & Social Time
Temperatures are cooler, so we’ll take the opportunity to be outside as much as possible. This is a great time for puppies to get familiar with all the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
6:30 PM – Dinner
Same routine as breakfast—calm, slow, and structured.
7:30 PM – Wind Down & Final Potty
This is a continuation of social hour.
9:00 PM – Bedtime
Puppies go into their crate or pen with a calm, soothing environment. Lights low, voices soft.
*The puppies spend their night sleeping in the laundry room in a large, pinned in area.
Tips for Staying on Track
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Set reminders (your phone is your best friend!)
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Get the whole family on board with the schedule. This can be a difficult process especially if you have children.
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Stay consistent but be flexible. Life happens, don't be so hard on yourself. If you get off schedule just get right back on.
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Prioritize morning and evening activities—midday can be too hot for safe play
- Have a variety or toys and games for your puppy. Rotate your toys often to prevent boredom.
Remember creating a routine isn’t about being rigid—it’s about setting your pup up for success. When your dog knows what to expect, they feel safe, secure, and confident. With long summer days ahead, now is the perfect time to start building those healthy habits.
Trust me, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Some days will feel like a breeze, and others will feel like a circus (especially if you have multiple dogs like we do). But having a rhythm to fall back on makes those wild moments more manageable. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your puppy begins to settle in, trust you, and grow into a calmer, happier companion.
Whether you’re a first-time dog parent or adding another pup to the pack, a good routine can make your days smoother and your bond stronger. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, know you're not alone, our community is full of dog lovers figuring it out together. One of the most important things about adopting a new dog or puppy is building a family bond. Take time to get to know each other, everyone (dogs and humans) will make mistakes, learn from it and move on. Most important thing is to love each other well.
If you need any help or have any questions please reach out to us at woof@threeyellowdogs.com
