What’s a Puppy Training Schedule?

So . . . you got a new puppy, and you’re probably wondering when you should begin your puppy’s training. Well, the answer is NOW! No matter how old your pup is when you walk through the door with him, he is starting to learn, and it’s important that you guide him in the right direction.

First, throw out the idea that there’s a certain puppy training schedule that’s done by age or a time frame. Nonsense. Training starts as soon as you bring your puppy home, and puppies are individuals. Some learn more slowly than others, and that’s OK.

Remember that the younger the dog, the shorter the training sessions should be. Puppies tire quickly. Several very short sessions throughout the day—with yummy treats—will accomplish your goals faster.

And remember that you never stop training your dog. Everything you do is training, and you need to reinforce the behavior you want with positive reinforcement. You’re teaching your puppy every time you handle him.

Be very careful not to overwhelm your puppy. Puppies need socialization, time to get used to new and different things, other dogs, new people, and so on. You do not want to scare them! “A robust body of research has shown that puppies are deeply, quickly, and often permanently impacted by what they experience during what’s now called the ‘sensitive period,’ from about 3 to 14 weeks of age,” says trainer and family dog mediator Kathy Callahan.

When to Start Crate Training

It would be wonderful if your breeder got your pup used to a crate before you got him, beginning at 4 weeks of age. But not all of us have that luxury. The younger the dog is, the easier it is for him to become accustomed to a crate. However, most dogs, of any age, can be persuaded to think of their crate as their den. With the help of treats, stuffed Kongs, and patience, a dog can learn that a crate is a place of peace, quiet, and safety. Make sure you do your research on crate training as some mistakes are not easy to fix. For more information on crate training, read “Crate Training to Keep Your Dog Content.”

When to Start Potty Training

I start potty training my puppies as soon as I get them home, whether it be 10 weeks or 10 months. Only they don’t know they are being potty trained. They only know that they are getting a tiny treat and lots of praise when they go potty outside, which encourages them to do the same next time.

The younger the puppy, the more frequently he will have to go out. Rush him outside when he wakes up from a nap, shortly after a big drink of water, after meals, and after playtime. I would not consider a puppy housebroken until he has learned to tell you he has to relieve himself. Some dogs “get it” at a very young age. Others, well, it can take till their 6 months old or even later. It’s up to you to be patient and consistent.

Walking on a leash, sit, and down training: Basic lessons are learned from day 1, whether it be the 10-week-old pup you just picked up from a breeder, a 6-month-old that you’ve adopted, or an older rescue whose life you saved. Dogs of any age appreciate praise, treats, and toys. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to repeat that performance. It can be very helpful to sign up for a puppy class and work with a trainer who can advise you and help with problems that might appear during your puppies training.

Be careful that you do not teach undesirable behavior unintentionally. For instance, if you are practicing a “stay,” did you forget about that stay when you answered the phone? If you are teaching your dog not to jump, do you allow the neighbor to praise him when he jumps up to greet her?

Enjoy that new pup of yours. Just remember that living with a trained, housebroken dog with an off switch is much more enjoyable than one that is not.