Award-Winning Dog Training Planners, Courses & Behavioural Programmes
Is your furry friend exhibiting signs of distress when left alone? Separation anxiety in dogs can be a challenging hurdle for both pets and their owners. In our expert guide, “Saying Goodbye to Doggy Distress,” we delve into proven strategies to tackle separation anxiety and …
Unleash the transformative power of therapy dog training with our comprehensive guide. Whether you’re a professional trainer, passionate pet owner, or aspiring therapy dog team, the journey towards becoming a certified therapy dog is an immensely rewarding one. In this article, we delve into the …
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a proven training schedule designed to help your puppy develop essential skills and behaviours. From toilet training to lead manners, socialisation to basic commands, we’ve got you covered at every stage of your puppy’s development. With a focus on positive reinforcement and effective communication, you’ll learn how to foster trust and respect while nurturing your puppy’s potential.
Get ready to set achievable training goals, establish a routine that works for both you and your puppy, and troubleshoot common challenges along the way. Whether it’s teaching your puppy to come when called or mastering loose lead walking, this guide will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. Let’s embark on this fulfilling journey to a well-mannered and happily trained puppy, together!
Training a puppy is not just about teaching them basic commands; it’s about laying the foundation for a lifetime of good behaviour and mutual understanding. A structured training schedule provides consistency, which is crucial for a puppy’s learning process. Consistent training helps your puppy understand what is expected of them, which in turn will help grow their confidence.
When a well-planned training schedule sets clear boundaries and expectations, it’s easy to foster a harmonious coexistence between you and your puppy, helping to prevent behaviour problems from developing, by addressing them proactively. By investing time and effort in a training schedule, you’re not only shaping your puppy’s behaviour but also strengthening your bond.
Dogs thrive on routine, and having a consistent schedule for training, feeding, playtime, and rest can contribute to their overall well-being, especially in the early days and weeks in a new environment. It gives them a sense of security and helps them understand what to expect, reducing anxiety and promoting a balanced, happy demeanour.
Before diving into a training schedule, it’s crucial to understand the developmental stages that puppies go through. Puppies go through several developmental periods, each with its own set of milestones and challenges. Understanding these stages will help you tailor your training approach to meet your puppy’s specific needs at each phase of their development.
The socialisation period, which typically occurs between 3 and 12 weeks of age, is a critical stage for exposing your puppy to various experiences, people, and environments. It’s during this time that puppies are most receptive to new stimuli and are forming lifelong impressions. Proper socialisation during this stage can significantly influence your puppy’s behaviour and confidence as they grow older. For a comprehensive guide and checklist to help you ensure your socialisation is a success, check out our digital dog training planner…
The juvenile period, spanning from 3 to 6 months, is characterised by increased independence and exploration. Puppies may push boundaries and test limits during this stage, making consistent training and positive reinforcement essential for shaping desirable behaviours. Understanding these developmental stages will help you tailor your training methods to suit your puppy’s evolving needs.
When it comes to training a puppy, positive reinforcement is key. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your puppy for exhibiting desired behaviours, such as sitting when asked or coming when called. This can be done using treats, praise, or playtime, reinforcing the idea that good behaviour leads to positive outcomes.
Consistency is another fundamental aspect of training. Consistent commands, expectations, and rewards help your puppy understand what is expected of them. It’s essential for all family members to be on the same page regarding training methods to avoid confusion for the puppy.
Patience and understanding are crucial for successful training. Puppies are learning about the world around them, and they will make mistakes. It’s important to approach training with empathy and a willingness to guide your puppy through the learning process. Rushing or becoming frustrated can hinder your puppy’s progress and erode the trust between you and your furry companion.
A structured daily routine is the backbone of a successful puppy training schedule. Consistency and predictability help your puppy feel secure and understand what is expected of them. Start by establishing set times for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, training sessions, and rest. This routine will provide a framework for your puppy’s day and make it easier for them to learn and adapt to their environment.
Incorporate mental and physical stimulation into your puppy’s daily routine. Mental stimulation can come in the form of puzzle toys, training exercises, or interactive games that engage your puppy’s mind. Physical exercise, such as walks, play sessions, and exploration, is crucial for burning off excess energy and promoting good behaviour.
Remember to factor in ample rest periods for your puppy. Puppies need plenty of sleep to support their growth and development. Create a comfortable, designated sleeping area for your puppy, and ensure they have a quiet, cosy space to rest undisturbed.
Socialisation is a vital aspect of a puppy’s development and should be a priority in your training schedule. Positively exposing your puppy to a wide range of people, animals, environments, and experiences during their socialisation period can help prevent fearfulness and anxiety or reactivity later in life. Properly socialised puppies are more likely to grow into well-adjusted, confident dogs.
When socialising your puppy, focus on creating positive associations. Ensure that interactions with people, other animals, and new environments are rewarding and enjoyable for your puppy. This can help build their confidence and teach them to approach new experiences with a positive outlook.
Exposure training goes hand in hand with socialisation. Introduce your puppy to various stimuli gradually, always at a pace that they are comfortable with. This can include different surfaces, sounds, textures, and objects. Exposing your puppy to a wide range of stimuli in a positive and controlled manner can help prevent fear and anxiety responses in unfamiliar situations.
Obedience training is an essential component of a puppy training schedule. Teaching your puppy basic commands, such as sit, stay, come, and down, lays the groundwork for effective communication and cooperation. Start with one command at a time, using positive reinforcement and patience to guide your puppy through the learning process.
Consistency is key when teaching obedience commands. Use the same cues and gestures every time, and be sure to reward your puppy for following the command correctly. Short, frequent training sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones, as they help your puppy retain information and stay engaged.
As your puppy masters basic commands, you can gradually introduce more advanced training exercises. This can include lead manners, recall training, and impulse control exercises, all of which you’ll find inside our Design Your Own Dog Training Pack! Building a strong foundation of obedience and communication will set the stage for a well-behaved and responsive dog.
Toilet training and crate training are essential elements of a puppy’s early education. Crate training provides a safe and secure space for your puppy, while also aiding in house training and preventing destructive behaviours when unsupervised. When introduced properly, a crate becomes a comfortable den where your puppy can relax and feel secure. For more details on how to ensure your puppy falls in love with their crate, check out our detailed article, Crate Training A Puppy Made Easy, right here.
Toilet training involves teaching your puppy where and when to eliminate. Establish a consistent schedule for toilet breaks, and be attentive to your puppy’s cues to prevent accidents. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, can help reinforce good toileting habits and encourage your puppy to eliminate in the appropriate outdoor area.
Consistency is crucial for both crate and potty training. By following a structured routine, providing ample opportunities for your puppy to relieve themselves outside, and rewarding desired behaviours, you can set them up for success in both areas.
It’s normal for puppy training to come with its share of challenges; encountering obstacles and setbacks is part of the process. However, with patience and persistence, many common training challenges can be overcome.
If your puppy displays unwanted behaviours, such as chewing, jumping, or excessive barking, it’s essential to address these issues proactively. Redirecting your puppy’s attention to appropriate toys, teaching alternative behaviours, and providing mental and physical stimulation can help curb unwanted behaviours.
Consistency in training methods and expectations is crucial when troubleshooting challenges. Avoiding mixed signals and remaining patient can help your puppy understand what is expected of them. Remember that every puppy is unique, and some may require more time and repetition to grasp certain concepts.
Once your puppy has mastered basic obedience and manners, you can explore advanced training and enrichment activities to continue their development. This can include agility training, scent work, interactive puzzle toys, and advanced obedience exercises. Engaging in these activities provides mental stimulation, physical exercise, and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
Enrichment activities are essential for preventing boredom and promoting a well-rounded, happy dog. They tap into your puppy’s natural instincts and abilities, providing an outlet for their energy and curiosity. As you explore advanced training and enrichment activities, continue to use positive reinforcement and patience to guide your puppy through new challenges.
Remember that training is an ongoing process, and it’s important to continue engaging your puppy’s mind and body throughout their life. By incorporating advanced training and enrichment activities into your routine, you can provide your puppy with ongoing opportunities for growth and fulfilment.
As you progress through the stages of puppy training, it’s important to remember that training is an ongoing commitment. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement will continue to be essential as your puppy grows into an adult dog. By maintaining a lifelong training plan, you can ensure that your dog’s good behaviour and manners are upheld throughout their life.
Continuing to socialise and expose your dog to new experiences, reinforcing obedience commands, and providing mental and physical stimulation will help keep your dog happy, well-adjusted, and responsive. Regular training sessions, interactive play, and positive reinforcement will strengthen your bond and communication with your dog, fostering a relationship built on trust and respect.
By following the advice in this puppy training schedule article, and incorporating these principles into your training approach, you’re setting the stage for a lifetime of joy and companionship with your well-mannered and happily trained dog. Embrace the journey of training, and celebrate the progress and achievements along the way. Remember, the key to successful puppy training lies in patience, empathy, and a commitment to nurturing your puppy’s potential.
Here’s to a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with your furry friend!
Are dogs truly pack animals driven by dominance, as many believe? Or is dominance theory just a misguided concept that has been widely misunderstood and perpetuated over the years? In this article, we delve into the science behind dominance theory in dogs to separate fact …
Are you struggling with your dog’s behavior, but can’t seem to figure out what’s causing it? It might be the domino effect at play. Trigger stacking, a phenomenon where multiple triggers stack up and overwhelm your dog, can have a significant impact on their behaviour. …
If the steady stream of noisy children passing by your front window coupled with perpetual doorbell ringing sends your dog into a frenzy every October 31st… have no fear. You’re not the only one… and there’s plenty you can do to make it easier on your dog, and yourself.
Halloween is a nightmare for reactive dogs, but can be pretty stressful for all dogs. Check out our top tips for a successful Halloween below, and download our free poster to help keep the night as terrifyingly tranquil as possible…!
If you haven’t already, click here to download our free & friendly Halloween poster and pop it in your front window or porch. This is something we do each year, alongside leaving a bowl of treats on the front step… Yes, I was worried the first trick or treater would empty it and run, but clearly I underestimated the well-mannered ghouls and goblins of my local neighbourhood, because there were plenty of treats to go around… and even a few left for me at the end of the night!
If you’ve been struggling with your dog’s doorbell behaviour for most of their life, consider tackling it with some positive training. And if you have no idea where to start with that, here’s a free step-by-step video tutorial on combating wildness at the front door. It might be a little too late to perfect in time for this Halloween, but start now and you’ll be a master by October 2024!
@listendogtraining Here’s my step-by-step demo on how to teach a powerful place cue – and exactly how to incorporate arousal into your training to ensure it WORKS in any situation! 👌 #dogtrainingdemo #dogtrainingexercises #puppytraining101
We’re lucky enough to have partnered up with an incredible brand, Petals and Tails, that produces CBD oil products for dogs, designed to help alleviate stress and reduce anxiety related behaviours. Personally I love their CBD peanut butter, because it’s so quick and easy to pop inside a Kong and deliver… you can see how much Nova loves it here!
@listendogtraining Use code LISTENDOG15 for 15% off at Petals and Tails 🌸 #cbdoilfordogs #linkinbio #separationanxiety #reactivedog
If you want to shop their range, you can grab yourself 15% off everything with code: LISTENDOG15
If you think your dog is likely to become increasingly over-aroused or stressed by excessive Hallween activity outside your home, try your best to manage his environment, and any potential triggers, as best you can. If necessary, spend your evening together in a room at the back of the house to prevent the front door or windows becoming points of hyper-vigilance or reactivity, and keep your dog occupied with self-soothing, endorphin-releasing activities, like a long-lasting chew, a frozen licky mat, or snuffle mat packed with hidden treats.
Meanwhile, do your best to mask the sounds from the street outside, with the radio, your dog’s favourite playlist (what do you mean they don’t have one..?!) or the TV.
For a complete and in-depth training action-plan to help you work through your dog’s reactivity in any and all situations, my 53-page reactivity training programme costs less than a SINGLE one-to-one session with a qualified professional, and has already helped countless owners achieve incredible results.
In the meantime, I hope you have a Happy Howloween… and you know where I am if you need me!
Dog trainers for reactive dogs are often called upon in cases of barking, lunging, or dogs showing signs of aggression towards other dogs or people – an increasingly common behavioural problem. Is your dog reactive and difficult to handle? If so, you’re not alone. Many …
Crate training a puppy has so many benefits for both owners and puppies alike… Speaking from first-hand experience, if there’s only one thing you can absolutely nail during your puppy’s first few weeks at home – make crate training it! Crate training a dog is …
Forget Schrödinger’s cat (the poor thing) in order to understand the science behind clicker training, we need to take a look at Pavlov’s dogs. Ivan Pavlov was a Russian physiologist, who, in the early 20th century, discovered that he was able to cause dogs to drool by ringing a bell – even in the absence of food – if he paired that bell with the presentation of food enough times beforehand. This is a process we now know today as classical conditioning.
Classical conditioning begins with an unconditioned stimulus that produces an unconditioned response. This means that something in the environment triggers a natural physiological response in an animal, not one that is learned or trained. Examples include the smell of food causing the sensation of hunger, a loud noise causing you to jump, or the sour taste of lemon causing you to grimace. You have not been taught that it is rewarding to get hungry, or startle, or grimace – the response is simply inherent.
What Pavlov discovered, was that if we take those unconditioned stimuli – the food, the loud noise or the sour lemon flavour – and pair them with another neutral stimulus, like a bell, a word or a clicker, we can eventually condition this stimulus to produce the same response.
Pavlov noted first that the dogs would drool when presented with food. He then took a bell (unconditioned stimulus) and rang it before the dogs were presented with food, repeatedly and consistently. Eventually, Pavlov was able to illicit the dogs’ unconditioned response to food without presenting them with food at all, simply by ringing the bell. The bell was now a conditioned stimulus, and the drooling had become the conditioned response.
So what has all that got to do with clicker training? Well, you know that your dog enjoys a tasty treat. And if you can take that joy, and pair it with the sound of a clicker, the same way that Pavlov paired it with the sound of a bell, your dog will eventually come to associate the clicker, with the concept of being rewarded.
Ok, to understand the value the clicker adds to the equation, we now need to take a quick look at operant conditioning. This is where a voluntary action is paired with a consequence, and is basically the underlying principle behind all traditional dog training methods. An example would be a dog who sits, and is given a treat. He is more likely to sit again, because the action was rewarded.
The problem with simply relying on rewarding the dog with food or a toy, is that it can actually leave a lot of room for misinterpretation from your dog…
Let’s say we are training a dog to sit on cue. When you begin your first training session, your dog has no idea what your end goal is. Maybe you get lucky and their bottom hits the floor, maybe you have to wait a while, maybe you need to lure them into position. Once they finally sit – great! You need to reward that. But as you reach into your pocket, your dog’s got excited about what’s coming and his bottom is already off the floor, his paws are on you, and he’s excited to eat the treat. Now you’ve got it out of your pocket, you gladly let him take it, and tell him he’s a good boy.
What have you rewarded?
You think you’ve rewarded the fact your dog finally performed a ‘sit’! But from your dog’s perspective, he hung out with you and did all kinds of things… he licked your hand, performed an excited play bow, barked once, sat down, stood up, came towards you and licked your hand again. Then he ate a treat. Which behaviour earned him the reward?
Probably walking towards you and licking your hand, because that’s when the treat was finally relinquished! So you ask for a sit again, and his immediate first response might well be to put his paws on you and lick you. When this doesn’t work, he might be a little confused, but he’ll try a few other behaviours and probably eventually land on a sit again.
But this process of uncertainty and mixed messaging from your dog’s perspective can make learning new cues more difficult, frustrating and time-consuming.
What if there was a way we could mark the exact behaviour that we are rewarding in a fraction of a second, every time it is performed so that your dog knows exactly what earns him the good stuff, and exactly what to repeat next time?
Enter the clicker.
Whilst it can take seconds to deliver a treat to your dog’s mouth (in which time he might have offered a number of super quick behaviours that you don’t want to reward at all!) a ‘click’ can be delivered instantly, making the association between behaviour and reward indisputable for your dog. Not only does this make training more enjoyable and less frustrating for both you and your dog, but it means you’ll see results much quicker too!
So, in order to introduce the magic of clicker training to your own dog training regimen, you’ll first need to ‘charge the clicker’. This is a very easy process: you simply need to channel your inner Pavlov, and pair the clicker with the reward. How? Click the clicker, then deliver a treat. Click the clicker again, then deliver another treat. Click it again, and… you get the idea.
Click, treat, click, treat, click, treat.
It’s simply another version of Pavlov’s bell. In no time at all, when your dog hears that click, they’re going to experience all the excitement and anticipation they do when they know a treat is coming… because they now know a treat is coming.
Once your clicker is charged, it’s ready to introduce to an actual training session! When first using your clicker in training, use it to reward cues and behaviours your dog is familiar with. Over time, once the association and understanding is strong, your clicker will be the training assistant you wish you’d discovered years ago!
Throughout this article I’ve referred to a clicker, but the reality is, you can use any marker. You can make a sound with your mouth, or use a marker word like ‘yes’ or ‘nice.’ The reason a clicker is so often used, is because it’s not a word, phrase or sound the dog is likely to hear in any other scenario, so there can be absolutely no confusion caused. If you choose to use a marker word, be sure to pick a word you’re not going to use in any other scenarios with your dog. for example, don’t use the phrase ‘good boy’ as a marker word for your dog, if later on that evening you’re going to curl up on the sofa beside him and tell him he’s a ‘good boy’ repeatedly without ever delivering a treat… because your marker will become worthless.
Some people can get a little confused and believe that simply the click itself becomes the reward, and means you no longer need to deliver the reward that you paired with it, and the reward your dog actually enjoys (e.g. the food or the toy or the play). This isn’t the case. Think of the clicker more as an explanation or clarifier. It’s your way of saying ‘ this is the exact choice or behaviour I am rewarding you for – I’m not paying you for anything else you did. Know that when the payment comes, it’s because your bottom hit the floor, not because you barked, or bowed or licked me.’ (Because if you’ve ever trained an excitable dog, you’ll know they can offer all of these behaviours plus at least three more all within seconds, when they want to!)
With the above in mind, remember that timing is key here, so have your wits about you during a clicker training session! You may need to be super quick at the beginning to mark the appropriate behaviour before an inappropriate behaviour is chosen. A great example of this is when teaching dogs not to bark when someone is at the front door. when the doorbell rings, you are likely to be presented with a split second of silence whilst your dog processes what’s happened. You can click now, and mark the fact that staying silent when the doorbell rings has earned him a reward, or – if you click one second later – you’re likely to end up marking the bark itself, and losing the opportunity to communicate what you do want, to your dog.
Some dogs can become obsessed with the clicker itself, fixating on it during training sessions, the way they do when food treats are visible. To prevent this, you can use the clicker behind your back, or keep it in your pocket. Some dogs may even find the noise scary or startling at first; with some this can be overcome, but if you do notice that the sound of the clicker is causing repeated stress responses in your dog, consider using something else as a marker. If the click is viewed as punishing, it’s never going to help you achieve training success!
At the beginning of your clicker training, a click must always be followed by a reward. Over time, you will be able to string clicks together without the need for repeated follow-up rewards, which is great for chaining behaviours. For example, you might ask your dog to sit (click) then stand (click) then bow (click) then spin (click) THEN deliver a treat or two, or an exciting game of tug. But always be aware that the clicker mustn’t lose its magic!
If you’re super excited to get started with clicker training and want to support your dog training adventure with one of our dog training planners, you can view the range here. Packed with info, games and exercises to help you tackle problem behaviours, master trick training, grow your dog’s obedience and more, these dog training planners, trackers and diaries are also filled with pages dedicated to planning and recording training sessions, setting goals, reviewing progress, tracking your dog’s health, fitness and learning progress, and more.
The dog nerd in me created them for the dog nerd in you… check them out and discover the planner for you!
Alternatively, if you’ve never considered getting this serious about your dog training before, but think it might be kind of fun to have a go, then why not grab yourself three of my favourite sheets for free? Designed to help you boost your relationship with your dog, log and review all the training games you’re playing (need ideas? find them here!) and keep track of ditching the bowl, these sheets are all you need to get your transformational dog training journey started!
Got any questions? Come find me on Insta or TikTok and drop me a message – always happy to chat dog training!
Since Covid hit, we’ve all had to pivot and find new ways of tackling old problems, situations and challenges. And whilst we’ve all been stuck at home, dog training, of course, has been no exception. We’ve always been allowed that one critical outdoor excursion per …