Creating Routines and Setting Standards for Your New Puppy

Establishing a routine with your puppy can be one of the best decisions you make. Dogs love structure. They thrive on knowing what’s expected of them and when. But while routines can bring calm and consistency, they can also backfire if you don’t keep them up. Trust us, your dog will notice.

The Power (and Challenge) of Routine

If you start feeding your dog every day at 6am, you can be sure they’ll know when it’s 6am—without ever looking at a clock. Dogs have incredibly accurate internal clocks and quickly learn patterns.

That Saturday morning sleep-in you had planned? Forget about it. Your pup will be there to remind you that breakfast is due. Some people say dogs should never be fed or walked at set times to avoid them becoming demanding. Others, like us, find comfort and success in sticking to a predictable schedule.

There’s no right or wrong approach. Just remember, if your dog seems out of sorts when your routine slips, it isn’t naughtiness. It’s confusing. Dogs don’t like rule-breakers.

Setting Household Standards from Day One

As soon as your puppy walks through the door, the rules of your household should begin.

For example:

  • If you allow your puppy to sleep in your bed just to get them settled, but later change your mind, you’ll have a harder time resetting expectations.
  • If you don’t want them on furniture, don’t let it slide “just this once.”
  • If you want them to toilet in a specific part of the yard, start that habit right away.

Consistency is everything. Puppies are smart. They learn quickly when the rules are clear, and they thrive when they understand what’s expected of them.

Toilet Training Tip

After every meal or nap, take your puppy to the toilet. Use a consistent word like “toilet” and praise them the moment they go. Choose a dedicated toilet spot in your yard if possible, and clean it every time. This takes some effort early on but saves you a lot of hassle later.

Need Help? Just Ask

We are always here to support our puppy families. There is no such thing as a silly question. If you’re unsure, ask. That’s what we’re here for.

Consistency, structure, and love—that’s the Kolorko way. And remember, raising a puppy should be as joyful for you as it is for them.