Complete Puppy Training Schedule by Age, Puppy training is crucial for a well-behaved dog. Start with socialization and basic commands at 8–10 weeks. Progress to leash training, impulse control, and advanced commands by 6–12 months. Use positive reinforcement and maintain consistency for a confident, well-mannered adult dog.
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. However, it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring your furry friend grows up to be a well-behaved and socialized dog. A structured training schedule is essential to help your puppy learn the rules of the house and develop good habits. Here is a complete puppy training schedule by age to guide you through the process.
8–10 Weeks: The Foundation Phase
Socialization and Basic Commands
At this young age, puppies are like sponges, absorbing everything around them. Socialization is crucial during this period to prevent future behavioral issues.
- Socialization: Expose your puppy to different people, environments, and animals. Positive experiences now will help your puppy grow into a confident adult dog.
- House Training: Start with crate training and establish a bathroom routine. Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals and naps.
- Basic Commands: Begin teaching simple commands like “sit,” “stay,“ and “come.“ Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise.
10–12 Weeks: Reinforcement and Consistency
Building on Basics
Your puppy is starting to understand basic commands and routines. This phase is about reinforcing what they have learned.
- Consistency: Stick to a consistent training schedule and continue socialization efforts.
- Leash Training: Introduce your puppy to a leash and collar. Start with short walks around the house before venturing outside.
- Name Recognition: Ensure your puppy responds to their name reliably.
12–16 Weeks: Expanding Horizons
Intermediate Training and Social Skills
Puppies become more adventurous and curious during this stage. Continue building on the foundation you’ve established.
- Intermediate Commands: Teach more complex commands like “down,” “leave it,“ and “heel.”
- Continued Socialization: Arrange playdates with other puppies and take your puppy to different environments to maintain their socialization skills.
- Handling and Grooming: Get your puppy accustomed to being handled and groomed. Brush its fur, check its teeth, and trim its nails regularly.
4-6 Months: Adolescence Begins
Polishing Skills and Addressing Challenges
Adolescence can be a challenging phase as puppies test boundaries. Consistency and patience are key.
- Polish Basic Commands: Ensure your puppy follows all basic commands in various environments.
- Impulse Control: Work on impulse control exercises, like waiting at doorways and before meals.
- Address Behavioral Issues: Nip any undesirable behaviors in the bud, such as jumping on people or excessive barking.
6–12 Months: Maturing and Refining
Advanced Training and Solidifying Good Behavior
Your puppy is growing into an adult dog. This period focuses on refining their training and solidifying good behaviors.
- Advanced Training: Introduce advanced commands and tricks, like “roll over“ and “play dead.”
- Off-Leash Training: Practice off-leash commands in safe, enclosed areas.
- Continued Socialization and Enrichment: Keep up with socialization efforts and provide mental and physical enrichment through interactive toys and activities.
1 Year and Beyond Maintaining Training
Sustaining a Well-Behaved Adult Dog
By this stage, your dog should have a solid foundation of training. Focus on maintaining and reinforcing good behavior.
- Regular Training Sessions: Continue with regular training sessions to keep your dog’s skills sharp.
- Socialization: Ensure your dog remains well-socialized by exposing them to new experiences.
- Exercise and Enrichment: Provide ample exercise and mental stimulation to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Tips for Successful Puppy Training
- Patience and Consistency: Training a puppy takes time. Be patient and consistent in your approach.
- Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and affection to reward good behavior.
- Short Sessions: Keep training sessions short and fun to maintain your puppy’s interest and enthusiasm.
- Seek Professional Help: Consider consulting a professional dog trainer if you encounter persistent behavioral issues.
Training your puppy is a rewarding journey that lays the foundation for a harmonious relationship. Following this complete puppy training schedule will ensure your furry friend grows into a well-behaved, confident, and happy adult dog.