8-Week-Old Puppy Routine: Simple Steps & Top Toy Picks

Congrats on the new fluff ball! At eight weeks a puppy is curious, energetic, and still figuring out the world. A clear routine helps them feel safe and speeds up house‑training. Below you’ll find a no‑fluff schedule that fits most homes, plus the toys that make learning fun.

Daily Schedule at a Glance

Morning wake‑up (7‑8 am): Open the crate or pen, greet your pup, and head straight to the bathroom. Puppies need to go every 30‑45 minutes, so set a timer if you’re unsure. After the potty break, offer a small breakfast – about ¼ of their daily portion. A bowl of high‑quality dry kibble or a mix of wet and dry works well.

Play & training (9‑10 am): Young dogs have short attention spans. Keep training sessions to 5‑10 minutes. Teach basic cues like “sit,” “stay,” and name‑recognition. Use treats and plenty of praise. Follow with a short play break using a soft fetch toy or a tug rope.

Mid‑day nap (11 am‑1 pm): Puppies need 14‑18 hours of sleep total. A crate or a quiet corner with a comfy blanket is ideal. A rested pup is less likely to chew on furniture.

Afternoon routine (1‑4 pm): Repeat the bathroom‑feed‑train pattern. Offer a second meal around 1 pm. Include a short walk in a safe, enclosed area to expose them to new sights, sounds, and gentle handling of paws.

Evening wind‑down (5‑7 pm): Another bathroom break, dinner (the final ¼‑⅓ of daily food), and a calm play session. This is a good time for gentle grooming – brush the coat and check ears. Keep lights dimmed after dinner to signal bedtime.

Bedtime (8‑9 pm): Final potty trip, then settle the pup in the crate with a chew toy. Consistency tells them it’s time to sleep. If they whine, a quick check‑in is fine, but avoid making it a habit.

Choosing the Right Toys

Not every toy is safe for an eight‑week‑old. Look for soft, chew‑friendly options that won’t shred into tiny pieces. Rubber rings, plush squeakers, and rope toys work well for teething. Rotate toys weekly to keep the pup interested.

Interactive toys that dispense treats are great for mental stimulation. Fill a small Kong with a bit of peanut butter (xylitol‑free) and freeze it – it keeps the puppy busy for several minutes while also soothing sore gums.

Avoid hard plastic balls or toys with small parts that could be swallowed. If a toy starts to break, toss it out immediately. Safety first, fun second.

Remember, toys are also training tools. Use a specific toy only during “play” time so your puppy learns the difference between fun and calm behavior. This helps prevent overstimulation and keeps the household peaceful.

Stick to this routine for a week or two and watch the progress. Your puppy will start to anticipate meals, potty trips, and playtime, making life easier for both of you. Need extra help? Our blog has deeper dives on house‑breaking, socialization, and nutrition – all tailored for pups just like yours.