Puppy Care Guide: The First Year 🐾

Lucky Penny Pet Care Blog | Midtown Dog Walker

www.luckypennypetcare.com

Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting (and challenging!) adventures you’ll ever have. The first year is full of milestones, from the joy of those first wobbly steps around your home to the proud moment when your puppy finally learns to sit on command. To help you set your puppy up for success, here’s a guide that walks you through the phases of puppyhood, a typical daily routine, training and socialization tips, and ways to build a lifelong bond.

Phases of Puppyhood

0–8 Weeks: The Newborn Phase

• Puppies spend this time with their mother and littermates learning basic social cues.

• When they come home (usually after 8 weeks), they’re just beginning to explore the world and rely on you for everything.

8–16 Weeks: The Socialization Window

• This is the most important phase for exposure to new experiences.

• Positive introductions to people, other dogs, sounds, and environments will shape their confidence.

• Start crate training, leash work, and gentle positive handling.

4–6 Months: The Adolescent Explorer

• Your puppy will become bolder, test boundaries, and may “forget” commands.

• This is the time to stay consistent with training and prevent bad habits from forming.

6–12 Months: The Teenager Phase

• Think of this as a “doggy teenager” stage; independent, energetic, and sometimes stubborn.

• Hormones kick in, and they’ll push for more freedom. With patience, this stage passes into maturity.

A Typical Puppy Routine

Morning

• Potty break immediately upon waking.

• Breakfast in their crate (to reinforce it as a safe, happy space).

• Short walk or play session.

Midday

• Potty break.

• Playtime, short training sessions (5–10 minutes max).

• Nap in the crate as puppies need lots of sleep!

Afternoon

• Potty break.

• Walk or social outing (park, car ride, meeting new people).

• Another nap.

Evening

• Dinner in the crate.

• Gentle play or chew time.

• Potty break before bedtime.

  
  

Training Tips: Positive Reinforcement

• Reward the good: Praise, treats, and play whenever your puppy makes the right choice.

• Keep it short: Puppies learn best in bursts, just a few minutes, multiple times a day.

• Stay consistent: Use the same commands and reward system across the household, get all people on the same page.

• Leash and freedom: Keep your puppy on a leash or tether indoors when not crated. This prevents accidents and chewing mishaps, while also building a bond since they’ll look to you for guidance. Slowly expand their freedom to one room at a time, as they get more trustworthy.

  
  

Crate Training & Creating Safe Spaces

• Make the crate positive: Feed meals inside, offer special toys or chews only in the crate.

• Never punish: The crate should always feel like a cozy den, not a “time-out” zone.

• Puppies should nap in their crate throughout the day so they learn to self-soothe.

  
  

Socializing Your Puppy

• Exposure is key: Introduce your pup to different people, dogs, surfaces, and environments in a positive way.

• Start small: A few calm, friendly dogs are better than overwhelming them at a busy park.

• Safe exploration: Carry young puppies in your arms to see the world before they’re fully vaccinated.

  
  

Other Helpful Puppy Tips

• Teething & chewing: Provide safe chew toys (frozen carrots, broccoli stems or puppy Kongs work wonders).

• Potty training: Take them out after eating, playing, and waking. Praise immediately after success. Puppies can hold their bladder 1 hour for each month of age plus 1 hour. So a 4 months puppy can hold their bladder for 5 hrs. Crate training helps extend their time between potty breaks and teach them a schedule.

• Exercise balance: Puppies need activity, but avoid over exercising growing joints. Short bursts are better than long hikes.

• Vet care: Keep vaccinations, parasite prevention, and regular checkups up to date.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Your puppy’s first year is a whirlwind of cuddles, challenges, and milestones. They grow up fast but that first year is so important. With structure, patience, and lots of love, you’ll not only raise a well behaved and balanced dog but also build an unshakable bond that lasts a lifetime.

3 Myths About Group Dog Walks, Busted by a Midtown Toronto Professional Dog Walker

Lucky Penny Pet Care Blog | Midtown Dog Walker

www.luckypennypetcare.com

Are you a Midtown, Toronto dog parent who’s ever wondered if group dog walks are right for your pup? Maybe you’ve heard they’re too chaotic, not safe, or only for high-energy dogs. The truth is, when managed by a professional dog walker in Midtown Toronto, pack walks can be one of the most enriching, balanced, and joyful experiences your dog will ever have. At Lucky Penny Pet Care, we specialize in off-leash group walks and dog daycare in Leaside, Lawrence Park, and Midtown, helping dogs thrive with freedom, structure, and connection.

Group dog walks are often misunderstood as chaotic—multiple dogs pulling in different directions, excessive barking, and a handler struggling to stay in control. In reality, when managed with experience, structure, and care, group walks provide one of the most enriching and balanced experiences for dogs. They foster exercise, socialization, and emotional well-being in a safe, structured environment. The best part? The dogs fall into rhythm together and move like a true pack, acting as one.

At Lucky Penny Pet Care, we believe in the power of the pack—but not just any pack. A thoughtful, curated, dog-first one. So let’s bust some of the most common myths I hear from dog parents:

Myth # 1: “My dog won’t get enough attention in a group.”

This one comes up all the time, especially from parents of sensitive or shy pups. And I get it, no parent wants their dog to be "just another tail on the trail."

But here’s the truth: group walks aren’t about one size fits all attention, they’re about meaningful connection in motion. Each dog learns their role within the pack, finding comfort in the rhythm of moving together. As the leader, I give intentional attention at the right moments and guidance for the bold, reassurance for the cautious, praise for the playful, so every dog feels both secure and seen. It’s not about equal time for everyone, it’s about the right connection at the right time, building trust and balance in the group.

In our pack, every dog is known and called by name and has a personality. I know who loves a big hello (Arlo), who prefers seeing the humans (Fitz), and who will sneak in a side hug when no one's looking (Theo). It’s not just a walk, it’s a relationship, repeated daily. The best part?? Dogs learn to bond not just with me, but with each other.

Myth # 2: “Group walks are chaotic and unsafe.”

Sure, they can be, when they’re not managed by professionals who can read cues and don't get to know their dogs on a deeper level. But at Lucky Penny Pet Care, safety is our foundation. Every dog is carefully assessed for temperament and play structure. We stick to the same park, use safe and secure transport, and carry backup leashes, water, first aid kits, you name it. I’m also pet first aid certified and fully insured.

And yes, there are wild zoomies and goofy play bows. But between those there’s also structured walking, calm pack energy, and routines that keep everyone in sync. Behind every joyful run is a clear boundary and a pack leader who’s fully present watching every move.

Myth # 3: “Only high-energy dogs need group walks.”

Nope! Pack walks aren’t just for the high octane pups.

In fact, I have some seniors, cautious rescues, and quiet thinkers who thrive in our pack. Dogs are social animals, and being part of a respectful, consistent group can help them gain confidence, build social skills, and feel part of something bigger. We group dogs by energy level and compatibility so nobody feels overwhelmed or underwhelmed.

Whether your dog is the life of the party (Chai) or the sweet wallflower (Frankie), there’s a place for them here.

Final Thoughts

The right group walk offers something every dog deserves: movement, friendship, and fun, with a calm, trusted human at the centre. If you’ve been curious about group walks but held back by one of these myths, I’d love to chat. Let's find the right fit for your pup and help them thrive in the pack.

📍Serving Midtown Toronto, Davisville Village, Leaside, Lawrence Park, and surrounding areas

🐾 Insured | Pet First Aid Certified | Proudly Dog Obsessed

Sunnybrook Off-Leash Dog Park: The Safest and Happiest Spot for our Pack

Lucky Penny Pet Care Blog | Midtown Dog Walker

www.luckypennypetcare.com

As a professional dog walker and pet care provider, one of the questions I get asked most often is:“Why don’t you take the dogs to a different parks?”

I get it, variety sounds fun! But when it comes to off-leash pack play; safety, structure, and community matter more than novelty. That’s why our pack chooses to stick with Sunnybrook Off-Leash Dog Park as our daily stomping grounds. Here’s why this decision isn’t just about convenience, it’s about what’s best for the dogs in my care.

1. Less Time in the Car, More Time to Play at Sunnybrook Off-leash Dog Park

My clients live in the Midtown, Davisville Village, Lawrence Park, and Leaside areas, so Sunnybrook is perfectly located. It means shorter car rides for the dogs, which translates into:

• Less stress for pups who aren’t fans of car travel

• More time actually running, sniffing, and socializing

• A smoother routine that fits beautifully into everyone’s day

  
  

2. Routine = Safety and Confidence

Dogs thrive on predictability. By going to the same park each day:

• The dogs quickly learn the layout, reducing stress and uncertainty

• I get to know the regulars, both two- and four-legged, so I can anticipate potential issues before they arise.

• It builds confidence, especially for newer or more timid dogs who benefit from a familiar environment

• Dogs in my care follow clear rules and structure. A familiar environment supports; recall training, group walking etiquette, positive reinforcement habits.

A consistent location helps me maintain a calm, structured atmosphere where dogs can just be dogs and let loose at the park!

3. Community with Other Walkers

Sunnybrook Off Leash Park has a great network of responsible dog walkers, and over time we’ve built a community of mutual respect. We share updates, watch out for each other’s dogs, and keep each other informed about:

• Trail conditions

• Wildlife sightings

• Any park changes that might affect safety

• We keep the park clean and safe

Having this network gives an extra layer of trust and communication that’s hard to replicate if you’re constantly hopping from park to park.

View of the park and how much space there is

Penny our Brand Ambassador

Another angle of the park

4. Visibility = Peace of Mind

Sunnybrook’s wide and open layout is one of my favourite things about it. I can always see:

• Where every dog in my group is

• Who they’re interacting with

• If a distraction or potential risk is approaching

This visibility is a huge factor in preventing runaways, scuffles, and helps me keep a close eye on group dynamics as they play.

5. Amenities That Just Make Sense

Another reason Sunnybrook stands out? The smart, dog-friendly amenities that make every visit smoother for both dogs and humans.

• A centralized water source available during the warmer months means everyone stays hydrated and cool without having to carry extra supplies.

• Multiple entrances and exits make it easy to redirect or exit quickly if needed—especially helpful for reactive dogs or pack management.

• Close parking means less walking on-leash just to get to the fun. That equals more time playing and less time waiting.

• With plenty of space to roam, it’s easy to move away from other groups if a dog needs a break or more breathing room.

These thoughtful features help me provide a low-stress, high-enrichment experience for every pup in the pack.

6. It’s the Right Place to Be Off-Leash

For insurance and liability reasons, I only walk dogs off-leash in designated off-leash areas. It’s simply not worth the risk (to the dogs or my business) to let them off in undesignated spaces, even if they seem quiet or empty. Sunnybrook is an off-leash designated area, well-maintained, and respected by local walkers, which means we can let loose responsibly.

As a pet parent, you want to know:

• Where your dog is each time

• That they’re safe, happy, and with dogs they know

• That they’re not being exposed to unpredictable or risky situations

Sunnybrook allows me to provide that peace of mind, because I know the lay of the land, and I know how to manage it responsibly. Because I walk in the same park daily with a regular group, your dog isn't just getting socialization, they're building real friendships.

At the end of the day, my top priority is the safety, happiness, and well being of the dogs I care for. Sunnybrook checks every box: proximity, safety, community, structure, and visibility. It may not be “new” every day, but for the dogs, that’s part of what makes it so great. Familiar ground, friendly faces, and plenty of room to run. That’s a win in my book, and in theirs too.