To a kid, getting a puppy is all wagging tails, fluffy snuggles, and nonstop fun. As an adult? Let’s just say I was not prepared.I knew there’d be some sleepless nights, endless potty breaks, and a few messes to clean up. But every puppy is different, and this time around, we had kids in the mix too.
I wish someone had told me how much sleep schedules, crate training, and—most importantly—nutrition could make or break those first few weeks. Turns out, a solid routine (and the right food, like Sundays for Dogs) makes a world of difference.
Now that I’ve figured it out, I’m here to spill the (dog-friendly) tea.
1. Let’s talk about sleep schedules
The first few nights with a puppy? Pure chaos—midnight whimpers, 2 a.m. potty breaks, and early wake-ups that had the whole house (kids included) wide-eyed before sunrise. I quickly learned that a solid sleep routine is everything. A comfy crate, a consistent bedtime, and short-but-sweet late-night potty trips made all the difference. Keeping the crate nearby at first helped too—comfort for our Berner puppy, Royal, and peace of mind for me.
One thing I didn’t expect? How much nutrition affects sleep. Just like kids, puppies settle better with the right food in their bellies. With Sundays for Dogs, I knew Royal wasn’t getting junk that would upset her stomach—meaning fewer 3 a.m. “urgent” wake-up calls.
2. Let’s talk about crate training
At first, I felt guilty about crate training—was I just locking my puppy up? Turns out, the crate is a lifesaver (and a safe haven). The key is to make it cozy, never use it as punishment, and start slow. I tossed in a soft blanket, a favorite toy, and plenty of treats to build positive vibes. We left the door to the crate open for the first two weeks and before I knew it, my pup saw the crate as her own little retreat.
I also found that feeding Royal her meals near her crate made her associate it with something positive. And since Sundays for Dogs is air-dried, human-grade, and packed with real nutrients, she actually looked forward to dinnertime—no coaxing needed. A full belly and a comfy crate? Recipe for a happy pup.
3. Let’s talk about potty training (the ultimate patience test)
“Potty training” a puppy is not for the faint of heart. Accidents happen (a lot), but consistency is everything. I learned fast that taking my pup out first thing in the morning, regularly hourly throughout the day, and right before bed kept mishaps to a minimum. Rewarding successes with treats and praise is essential. And when accidents did happen (because they will), I reminded myself: patience over frustration. Just stock up on cleaning spray!
One big mistake I made early on? Not realizing how much diet affects digestion. Once we switched to Sundays for Dogs, I noticed Royal’s schedule became way more regular. Turns out, feeding her clean, natural ingredients made potty training easier for both of us.
4. Let’s talk about the best food for puppies
If there’s one thing I wish I had figured out sooner, it’s what to feed my pup. So many brands of kibble claim to be “healthy,” but a quick look at the ingredients shows tons of fillers and preservatives. Sundays for Dogs is the real deal—air-dried, human-grade, and packed with 100% real muscle and organ meat and superfoods. No mystery fillers, no weird additives, just real, nutritious food.
Plus, it’s insanely easy (unlike fresh food)—no prep, no mess, just scoop and serve. My picky eater is obsessed. And because it’s vet-founded, I know I’m giving my pup the best start possible. Seriously, every new puppy owner needs Sundays in their life!
New puppy parents, you’ve got this!
Bringing home a puppy is a wild ride—exhausting, messy, but so worth it. With the right sleep setup, crate training, potty routine, and the best nutrition (hint: Sundays for Dogs), you’ll set your pup up for success. Trust me, it gets easier—and before you know it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
