Puppy Training Starter Checklist

1 WEEK 1 — Foundation

Set up crate in bedroom (not isolated)

Establish a potty schedule (every 2 hours + after meals/naps/play)

Choose one potty spot — always go to the same place

Pick a marker word ("yes!") and pair it with treats 20+ times

Start feeding meals inside the crate (door open)

Practice name recognition — say name, mark + reward when they look

Set house rules with family (no exceptions from day one)

Puppy-proof one room completely — start small

2 WEEK 2 — Building Habits

Close crate door during meals (open after they finish)

Practice "sit" before meals — 5 reps, 3x daily

Introduce leash indoors — let them drag it supervised

Start short crate naps (15-30 min) during the day

Redirect biting to a toy EVERY time (never use hands as toys)

Practice "come" in a hallway (no distractions)

Handle ears, paws, mouth daily (prep for vet/grooming)

S SOCIALIZATION (Start Now!)

3 new surfaces (grass, tile, gravel, wood)

3 new sounds (vacuum, doorbell, traffic)

5 new people (different ages, hats, glasses)

2 calm, vaccinated dogs (positive interactions only)

Car ride (even short — just sit in car with treats)

Visit a pet store (carry if not fully vaccinated)

3 WEEK 3 — Adding Structure

Extend crate time to 1-2 hours during the day

First outdoor walks on leash (short, 10-15 min)

Practice "down" from a sit position

Add "leave it" with treats on the floor

Practice sit-stay for 5 seconds, then 10

Start "place" command on a bed/mat

Enforce nap schedule (1 hour up, 2 hours crate nap)

4 WEEK 4 — Real World

Practice commands with mild distractions

Walk past other dogs without pulling (reward calm)

Recall from another room (increase distance)

Settle on "place" for 5+ minutes

Practice door manners — sit before going outside

Greet a visitor calmly (four paws on the floor)

Leave puppy alone for 15-30 min (build up gradually)

! QUICK FIXES

Biting: Yelp, redirect to toy, walk away if it continues

Accidents: Clean with enzyme cleaner, go back to 2hr schedule

Crate crying: Wait for 3 seconds of quiet, then reward

Jumping: Turn away completely, reward four-on-the-floor

Chewing: Manage the environment, provide legal chew options

Pulling: Stop walking, wait for loose leash, then continue

Puppy TrainingStarter Checklist

Pro Tip from K9 Academy

Puppy Training
Starter Checklist