Bringing home a new puppy is always an exciting experience. However, it can quickly turn into a series of challenges when it comes to training. From potty training mishaps to developing basic commands, new puppy parents often feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. But with the right plan, training your puppy can be a fun and rewarding experience.
In this 7-Day Puppy Training Plan, a step-by-step guide has been designed to help new owners teach their puppies essential skills in just one week. Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or simply looking for a structured approach, this training plan will give you the foundation needed for a well-behaved puppy. By the end of the week, your puppy will have learned valuable skills like potty training, basic commands, and proper socialization.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Introduction to Routine & Potty Training Basics 🕓
The first day of training is all about setting the foundation. It’s important to establish a routine from the very beginning to help your puppy adjust to their new environment. Consistency is key during this stage, as it helps your puppy understand what’s expected of them.
Creating a Schedule
Establishing a daily schedule will give your puppy structure and routine. Puppies thrive on consistency, and setting regular times for meals, potty breaks, playtime, and training will help them feel more secure. On Day 1, begin by introducing the concept of a routine. Try to feed, play, and train your puppy at the same times every day.
- Feeding: Puppies should be fed at regular intervals, usually three times a day for those under six months of age. The consistent timing will help regulate their potty breaks as well.
- Playtime: Ensure your puppy has plenty of playtime throughout the day, as this helps burn off excess energy and prevents destructive behaviors later on. Remember that puppies are full of energy, and playtime also helps build a bond between you and your puppy.
- Training Sessions: Keep initial training sessions short and sweet, around 10-15 minutes each, to avoid overwhelming your puppy. It’s important to allow your puppy to focus and retain information. Training should be a fun experience for them.
Potty Training Basics
Potty training will be a major focus on Day 1. Begin by introducing your puppy to a designated potty area. Crate training is an excellent tool to help with potty training, as dogs tend to avoid soiling their sleeping space. You can start by placing your puppy in the crate after meals, naps, and playtime to ensure they have a routine.
Tip: Take your puppy outside immediately after they wake up, after eating, and after playtime. These are the times they are most likely to need to go potty. When they go potty in the designated area, praise them immediately.
Also, try to watch for subtle signs that your puppy might need to go, like sniffing or walking in circles. These early indicators will help prevent accidents inside and teach your puppy that the outside is the place to go.
Brief Takeaway: Start your puppy’s journey with a consistent schedule to establish good habits early on, with potty training as a top priority. The first day will set the tone for the following days.
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Day 2: Crate Training & Safe Space Setup 🏠
Crate training is a vital aspect of the first week of training. It helps with both housebreaking and provides your puppy with a safe space where they can feel comfortable when you’re not around. On Day 2, focus on making the crate a positive experience for your puppy.
What Is Crate Training?
Crate training involves using a crate as a safe space where your puppy can rest and relax when needed. It’s a humane and effective way to prevent accidents when you’re not home or when you can’t supervise your puppy. The goal is for your puppy to view the crate as a safe, positive environment.
- Choosing the Right Crate: The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can create a separate “bathroom” area. If the crate is too large, your puppy may use one part as their potty area, which defeats the purpose.
- Setting Up the Crate: Add a soft bed, a few toys, and water to the crate. The more comfortable the crate, the more likely your puppy will learn to enjoy spending time there. If they feel safe and secure in the crate, they will learn to relax, making it an excellent place for them to rest.
Getting Your Puppy Comfortable in the Crate
- Slow Introduction: Introduce your puppy to the crate gradually. Allow them to explore it on their own terms. Start by placing treats and toys inside to entice them to go in. You can also feed your puppy in the crate, so they associate it with something positive.
- Short Sessions: In the beginning, keep crate sessions short, allowing your puppy to get used to the space without feeling confined. Gradually increase the time they spend inside as they become more comfortable. Never force your puppy into the crate; instead, let them go in voluntarily.
Exercise & Playtime
Before placing your puppy in the crate, ensure they’ve had plenty of exercise and playtime. A tired puppy is less likely to become anxious or restless in their crate. Regular exercise helps release pent-up energy, which can prevent your puppy from feeling anxious or bored.
Brief Takeaway: Crate training is essential for housebreaking and provides your puppy with a safe and secure space to relax. Create positive associations with the crate by using it as a resting place and rewarding your puppy for time spent inside.
Day 3: Basic Commands: Sit & Stay 🧘
By Day 3, it’s time to start teaching your puppy some basic commands. Simple commands like sit and stay not only help establish good behavior, but they also lay the groundwork for more advanced training. These commands are fundamental in creating a structured relationship between you and your puppy.
Sit Command
The “sit” command is one of the first commands every puppy should learn. It’s relatively easy to teach and helps establish control from the outset. The “sit” command is the foundation of obedience training and should be taught as soon as possible.
- How to Teach “Sit”:
- Hold a treat in front of your puppy’s nose.
- Slowly move the treat upward and backward, which will naturally guide your puppy into a sitting position.
- As soon as their bottom touches the ground, immediately say “Sit” and reward them with the treat.
- Repeat this several times in a quiet, distraction-free environment to help your puppy learn the association between the word “sit” and the action.
Once your puppy understands the “sit” command, use it to help them focus during other training activities. This will also be helpful when trying to control their excitement, like before feeding or greeting people.
Stay Command
The “stay” command is important for impulse control. It teaches your puppy to remain in one place, which is useful in various situations like waiting for their food or when you need them to stop jumping.
- How to Teach “Stay”:
- Start with your puppy in a sitting position.
- Open your palm in front of them and say “Stay” in a calm, firm voice.
- Take a few steps back. If your puppy stays in place, immediately reward them with praise and a treat.
- Gradually increase the distance and duration of the “stay” command. Ensure you return to your puppy quickly and reward them for staying put.
Tip: If your puppy breaks the “stay,” calmly guide them back to their sitting position and try again. Don’t scold them; simply reinforce the behavior with positive reinforcement.
Brief Takeaway: Teaching basic commands like “sit” and “stay” builds a foundation for obedience and helps establish good behavior. Mastering these commands can help with impulse control and make other training easier.
Day 4: Leash Training & Socialization 🐾
Leash training and socialization are essential for raising a well-behaved puppy. On Day 4, your puppy should start learning how to walk calmly on a leash and interact with other dogs and people. Proper socialization will help your puppy become well-adjusted and confident in different environments.
Leash Training
Leash training can be tricky at first, especially if your puppy is full of energy. However, with the right approach, it can become an enjoyable activity for both of you. Walking on a leash is one of the first real-world skills that a puppy must master.
- How to Leash Train:
- Begin by attaching a light leash to your puppy’s collar or harness.
- Allow them to drag the leash around for a few minutes while supervised. This helps them get used to the feeling of the leash.
- Once your puppy is comfortable with the leash, start walking around your home and reward them with praise when they walk nicely beside you.
- Gradually move to the outdoors and keep initial walks short to prevent overwhelming your puppy with new sights and sounds.
Socialization
Socialization is vital for preventing fear and anxiety in your puppy. It’s important to introduce them to new people, places, and other dogs in a controlled, positive manner. Socializing your puppy will help them learn how to behave in various situations, which is critical for their emotional development.
- How to Socialize:
- Start by introducing your puppy to different environments—parks, pet-friendly stores, and your neighborhood.
- Allow your puppy to interact with different people and gentle dogs, but be cautious not to overwhelm them.
- Provide plenty of praise and treats when your puppy remains calm during these interactions. Make sure the experience is positive.
Tip: Gradually expose your puppy to more challenging situations to build their confidence and ensure they are well-socialized.
Brief Takeaway: Leash training and socialization are key to helping your puppy develop into a well-behaved, confident adult dog. Socialization should be done carefully to ensure positive experiences, and leash training should be consistent and gradual.
Day 5: Potty Training Reinforcement & “Come” Command 🚽
By Day 5, you’ll need to continue reinforcing potty training while also introducing your puppy to the come command, which is crucial for safety. These two skills will build on the foundation you’ve established.
Reinforcing Potty Training
At this point, your puppy should be starting to understand the concept of potty training. Consistency is essential for reinforcing these habits.
- Tips for Reinforcing Potty Training:
- Continue taking your puppy outside at regular intervals.
- Praise your puppy immediately after they go potty outside. This will reinforce that going potty outdoors is the desired behavior.
- If an accident happens, clean it thoroughly without scolding your puppy. Remember, accidents are normal at this stage, and punishment won’t help.
Tip: Be proactive in watching for signs that your puppy needs to go outside, such as sniffing, circling, or heading towards the door. The more quickly you react, the easier potty training will be.
Teaching the “Come” Command
The “come” command is essential for recall and safety. Teaching your puppy to come when called is a skill that could save their life.
- How to Teach “Come”:
- Begin with your puppy on a leash in a quiet, distraction-free space.
- Call their name followed by the word “come.”
- When they approach, reward them with a treat and praise.
- Gradually practice in more distracting environments.
Tip: Practice the “come” command during fun activities like playtime, so your puppy associates it with something positive.
Brief Takeaway: Reinforcing potty training and introducing the “come” command ensures better control and safety for your puppy. Consistency and positive reinforcement are essential.
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Day 6: Addressing Problem Behaviors (Jumping, Barking, etc.) 🚫
At this stage, your puppy might be developing some unwanted behaviors like jumping or excessive barking. Day 6 is all about addressing these issues.
Jumping Up
Jumping is a common issue for puppies, especially when they’re excited. It’s important to teach them that jumping is not acceptable.
- How to Stop Jumping:
- When your puppy jumps, turn your back and ignore them.
- Only give attention when they stop jumping and keep all four paws on the ground.
- Reward calm behavior and continue practicing.
Tip: If your puppy jumps on you while you’re standing, calmly turn away and step back to prevent reinforcing the behavior.
Excessive Barking
Barking is another common issue that can arise, especially if your puppy is feeling anxious or trying to get attention.
- How to Manage Barking:
- Use the “quiet” command when your puppy starts barking.
- Reward them when they stop barking after being given the command.
Brief Takeaway: Addressing problem behaviors early on will help your puppy grow into a calm, well-behaved dog. Consistency and patience are key when tackling unwanted behaviors.
Day 7: Review, Practice, & Reward 🎉
On Day 7, it’s time to review everything your puppy has learned over the past week. Consistency is key, so ensure that all training continues moving forward.
Review All Commands and Training
Go over the basics: sit, stay, come, potty training, and leash training. Reinforce all the behaviors that your puppy has learned, and correct any lingering issues.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Keep practicing throughout the day. When reviewing, don’t just go over the commands but also incorporate them into daily routines like feeding time, walks, or playtime. This helps to solidify the behaviors.
Consistency and Patience
Training is an ongoing process. While you may have achieved a lot in the first week, be prepared for continuous learning. Remain patient and consistent. Puppies need time to adjust and continue learning. Even if they don’t have it perfect by Day 7, don’t worry. With continued practice, they will get there.
Rewarding Progress
Celebrate your puppy’s achievements with extra playtime, praise, and treats. Positive reinforcement encourages your puppy to keep learning and builds their confidence.
Brief Takeaway: Day 7 is a celebration of progress, but remember that consistency and patience are needed throughout your puppy’s entire training journey. The key to continued success is practice and positive reinforcement.
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Conclusion: Training Doesn’t End After 7 Days
The 7-Day Puppy Training Plan is just the beginning. While a strong foundation will have been built in the first week, ongoing practice and positive reinforcement are essential to ensure your puppy remains well-behaved as they grow.
By following this plan, you’ve laid the groundwork for a strong relationship with your puppy built on trust, respect, and positive behavior. Keep practicing the skills learned, and with time, your puppy will grow into a confident, well-behaved adult dog that is a joy to live with.
Happy training! 🐾
- American Kennel Club: Dog Behavior Solutions
- Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Canine Barking Behavior
🔗 Additional Resources
- Puppy Training Videos: Puppy Training Playlist on YouTube
- Printable Puppy Training Schedule: Downloadable PDF Schedule
- Puppy Training Apps: Pupford – Puppy Training App
🐾 Free Resources for Puppy Training
- Puppy Training Schedule Templates
- Puppy Training Articles and Guides
