Puppy First Week Schedule: What to Track Every Day
The first seven days with a new puppy set the tone for everything that follows. Here is exactly what to track each day so nothing slips through the cracks.
The first week with a new puppy is exciting, exhausting, and over before you know it. Building a tracking habit from day one makes everything easier — from spotting feeding issues early to knowing exactly when your puppy last went outside.
Why a Daily Schedule Matters in Week One
Puppies thrive on consistency. Their digestive systems are new to solid food, their bladders are tiny, and every experience is brand new. Tracking what happens each day gives you data — and data helps you spot patterns before they become problems.
What to Track Each Day
Feeding
- Time and amount of each meal
- Which food brand and variety
- Any leftovers (sign of stress or illness)
- Water intake
Most puppies aged 8–12 weeks eat three times a day. Stick to the same times to help regulate their bowels and set a potty schedule.
Potty Breaks
Log every trip outside:
- Time out
- Result (wee, poo, nothing)
- Accidents indoors (time and location)
After just a few days you will start to see patterns: most puppies need to go outside within 15–20 minutes of eating, after waking up, and after play.
Sleep
- Total nap time during the day
- Night wake-ups and times
- Settling time in crate
Puppies sleep up to 18 hours a day. Tracking sleep helps you notice when they are overtired (which leads to more accidents and nipping).
Behaviour and Training
- Any new commands practised
- Bite inhibition moments
- Socialisations (sounds, people, objects encountered)
- Stress signals (yawning, lip-licking, tucked tail)
Vet Notes
- Any symptoms to watch: loose stools, vomiting, lethargy, unusual behaviour
- Medications given (if any)
- First vet appointment scheduled
A Simple Tracking Format
You do not need a complicated system. A daily log with columns for Time, Feeding, Potty, Sleep, and Notes is all you need. The key is consistency — fill it in at the same time each day.
The New Puppy Starter Kit includes a First Week Planner, a Feeding Schedule, a Potty Training Tracker, and a Daily Routine Planner — all printable and fillable, ready to use from day one.
What the Data Tells You
After seven days of tracking, you will typically be able to:
- Predict when your puppy needs to go outside
- Identify the best meal times for your household
- Spot any health concerns early enough to mention at the vet
The first week is the hardest. Track it well, and the second week gets noticeably easier.
Printable and fillable PDF templates for pet owners — feeding schedules, health records, training trackers and more.