Puppy training, schedules, & and enforced naps
So, you’re bringing a new puppy home. I’m gonna be honest, as a mom of 4 kids…
Puppies are harder than newborn human babies.
There, I said it.
You may not agree with me, but I will die on this hill. Puppies run around without a diaper, have razor sharp teeth that they are not shy about using on your rug or the tv cords, and they can be fast as hell.
Amirite?
Although they mean well (maybe… do they?), they can really be jerks! The good news is that they just need us to show them what we need from them.
What are enforced naps for dogs?
Did you know that when your puppy is acting super cranky, they likely need to sleep?!
When they just can’t help themselves from biting and nipping you, it’s time to put that naughty puppy down for a nap… just like a human kiddo!
I love using enforced naps for raising my puppies. It gets them used to their crates and it gives them the rest that they need.
If you allow a puppy to be out and about and fall asleep on their own wherever they’re at, they will likely wake up easily and not achieve the beauty sleep that is necessary!
Enforced naps are exactly what they sound like. After introducing the crate, you force the puppy to nap!
Puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep per day! Enforced naps prevent overstimulation and cranky behaviors.
People use a dark, quiet area or a crate to make sure there is nothing that may disturb your pup’s rest.
When to use the enforced naps tool
If your puppy is acting like a cranky toddler (lots of nipping, overstimulation, zoomies, intense barking, etc.) then they likely need to nap.
Make sure your pup has emptied their bladder and possibly pooped outside. This ensures that if your puppy cries when you put them away, you know they don’t need to potty.
Place your puppy in their area and turn off the lights. If you’re using a crate, make sure the area is quiet and cover the crate with a blanket, if needed.
Leave your baby be. They may howl, bark, and cry, but they need to learn that their crate is their “cave” and a safe space to rest. Eventually, you will hear them wind down and go to sleep.
When your puppy wakes, immediately take them outside. Puppies will likely always have to potty when they wake up from a nap.
Puppy training schedule
Let’s talk about what this looks like during a real day! Remember that small puppies will, on average, need to potty every few hours (smaller breeds may have to potty more frequently).
Here's a realistic sample day for an 8-10 week old puppy using enforced naps as a training tool:
6:30am — Puppy out of crate. Immediate potty trip outside. Brief free time in a small, supervised area while you make coffee. (I always keep puppies tethered to me until they earn freedom… I do not give puppies the chance to learn bad habits or get into things in another room!)
7:00am — Short 5-10 minute training session. Luring, name recognition, basic engagement. Keep it fun and low pressure.
7:15am — Small meal in the crate. Puppy stays in crate while they finish eating and settles.
7:30am — Back in crate for nap. No negotiating.
9:30am — Out of crate. Potty immediately. 20-30 minutes of supervised free time and play.
10:00am — Another short training session. Work on sit, focus, maybe some leash introduction.
10:20am — Back in crate for nap.
12:00pm — Out of crate. Potty. Lunch meal.
12:20pm — Supervised free time. This is a good window for socialization — new sounds, surfaces, gentle handling.
1:00pm — Back in crate for afternoon nap. This one can run longer.
3:00pm — Out of crate. Potty. Free time and play. Take them outside if weather allows — let them sniff and explore.
3:45pm — Short training session.
4:00pm — Back in crate for late afternoon nap.
5:30pm — Out of crate. Potty. Dinner meal.
6:00pm — Family time with supervision. This is not free roam — puppy drags a leash so you can manage them without chasing.
7:30pm — Wind down. Avoid high energy play. Chew time in a calm environment.
8:00pm — Last potty trip.
8:15pm — In crate for the night.
You may have to play with your schedule a bit through trial and error. The older the puppy gets, the longer they can hold their potty (that’s a good thing!)
Have you ever tried enforced naps? Let me know in the blog comments :)
