My husband and I are getting ready for our new arrival in about 6 weeks. Our puppy will be about 8 weeks old when we get him. We have purchased the DVD's 8weeks to 8 months, Establishing Pact Structure and Basic Obedience. My question is, my husband leaves for work at 4:15am and I leave at 5:15am. I am the first one who gets home which is about 2:45pm. Together we are putting together a crate/feeding schedule. We also live in a condo. So our thoughts are,(ok no laughing) first feeding at 3:00am with going out to potty and walk, back in the crate when I leave at 5:15am. Back out of crate at 2:45pm, potty,feeding and walk. Feed dinner at 6:00pm and bed at 9:00pm. We know that the puppy will need to go out in the middle of the night. How often is normal for taking a puppy out during this time. My husband and I are going to take turns in taking the little one out. Ok, can you tell that we have not had puppys in a real long time and we are really nervous. lol Any thoughts on our schedule? lol

Your problem will be keeping an 8 week old pup crated for 9 hours with no potty break. Pups sleep a lot but that seems entirely too long a period to be crated without some kind of break and without any interaction or play time.

I agree with Sarah. That is too long for a puppy. A couple of suggestions, can ideally both of you come home for lunch and stagger the times? Or can at least one of you plan to come home? Would you be able to hire someone to take the pup out during the day? Could either of you take the pup to work with you? If your only option is to crate the pup for 9 hours a day; I would suggest holding off on a puppy,

Those are some good suggestions. Thanks

Welcome, Paula,

I wated to mention that I have read several times on the forum that people with a new puppy often take a vacation from work when they first pick him up so they can start with a good crate-training program and also start to bond with the puppy.

This is a baby who will be fresh from his litter and his mother, and he will need interaction as well as frequent potty times. You will want to start a habit of outdoor potty right away, and the only way to do that is with frequent trips outside so he doesn't start the accident habit (and he won't be able to help himself).

Good luck! Good for you that you are working it out now and not when you are tired from midnight and 4 a.m. potty runs.

Hi Paula,
We're getting our first pup in just a week. I have read 6 different books about puppies/dogs and have visited this website nearly every day. Dr. Ian Dunbar has a great book called "Before and After Getting Your Puppy" that will greatly help you address this problem. He recommends the use of a "long-term confinement area" that allows you to be at work, your pup safe and happy, and your floors free from puddles and piles. It's a great book all around because he focuses on positive training methods and understanding your pup's perspective in all things. Your library probably has it. I found it so full of good advice that I bought a copy.
Also, most communities have experienced dog walkers who might relish time with a precious pup. We used one with our first GSD. She was a godsend on the days we both worked long hours. Our dog adored her.
"The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete has a long section about what to consider before getting a puppy. Recommended reading, for sure.
Good Luck (although it's probably more work than luck!)

Forgot to add, your getting the videos about pups, packs and obedience from Leerburg are going to make a great difference also. Kudos.