Welcome to Puppy Parenthood

Bringing home a new puppy is such an exciting and joyful time, but it can also come with lots of questions. This guide is here to help make the transition as smooth as possible for both you and your newest family member. Inside, you'll find helpful tips on potty training, a recommended feeding schedule, and practical advice to set your puppy up for success from day one. We’ve also included a curated Amazon shopping list with our favorite puppy essentials—so you’re never left guessing about what you need. Let’s make this journey a fun and confident one, together!

Potty Training

Up to 4 Months 

  • Puppies have small bladders and need frequent potty breaks.

  • At Home: Take the puppy out every 1–2 hours and after:

    • Waking up.

    • Eating or drinking.

    • Playing or excitement.

    • Naps.

  • Workdays:

    • Morning: Take the puppy out immediately after waking up and again after breakfast.

    • Midday: Arrange for a mid-day potty break by someone trusted or provide an indoor potty option.

    • Evening: Take the puppy out after dinner, after play, and right before bedtime.

4 to 6 Months 

  • Puppies start holding their bladder for 2–3 hours.

  • At Home: Increase the time between breaks to about every 3 hours.

  • Workdays:

    • Provide a safe potty area or have someone check in midday.

    • Stick to a morning, after-work, and bedtime potty schedule.

6 Months to 1 Year 

  • Puppies can hold their bladder for about 4–6 hours.

  • At Home:

    • Maintain regular potty times in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

    • Be mindful of signals (circling, sniffing, or whining) that indicate the need to go.

  • Workdays:

    • Morning potty break before leaving.

    • If possible, provide a mid-day break.

    • Evening break as soon as you return home, followed by dinner and a bedtime potty.

      Tips for Success

  • Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and praise immediately after successful potty trips.

  • Water Intake: Keep water available during the day but remove access 1–2 hours before bedtime.

  • Accidents Happen: Stay patient and clean accidents thoroughly to remove odors that might encourage repeat behavior.

  • Crate Training: Use a crate to encourage bladder control; dogs avoid soiling their sleeping area

Cavalier Feed Schedule

Up to 6 Months

  • How Much: ¾ to 1 cup total per day, divided into two meals.

    • Morning (Breakfast): ½ cup, Feed after the first potty trip.

    • Evening (Dinner): ½ cup, Feed around dinnertime, followed by play and potty.

6 Months to 1 Year

How Much: 1 to 1¼ cups total per day, divided into two meals.

  • Morning (Breakfast): ½ to ¾ cup, Feed after the first potty trip.

  • Evening (Dinner): ½ to ¾ cup, Feed around dinner, followed by play and potty.

Bernese Feeding Schedule

Up to 6 Months

  • How Much: 3/4–3 cups (work your way up) total per day, divided into two meals.

    • Morning (Breakfast): 3/4 cup, Feed after the first potty trip.

    • Evening (Dinner): 3/4 cup, Feed around dinnertime, followed by play and potty.

6 Months to 1 Year

How Much: 3- 6 cups total per day, divided into two meals.

  • Morning (Breakfast): 1.5 to 3 cups, feed after the first potty trip.

  • Evening (Dinner): 1.5 to 3 cups, feed around dinner, followed by play and potty.

Shopping Guide