If you're a new puppy parent, you may be wondering what a typical day of dog training looks like. From morning potty breaks to evening cuddles, there are plenty of opportunities to teach your pup new skills and reinforce good behavior.
Whether you're working from home or have a busy schedule, it's important to create a routine that works for both you and your furry friend.
Let’s break down a sample day of puppy training, focusing on Morning, Midday, Afternoon, Evening, and Bedtime activities. So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to learn how to train your pup like a pro!
Morning Puppy Training: Starting the Day Off Right
Morning training is an important part of your puppy's daily routine, and it sets the tone for the rest of the day. The first thing you'll want to do is take your pup outside for a potty break. This helps them learn where they are supposed to go and prevents accidents inside the house.
Once they've done their business, it's time for breakfast. Feeding your pup at the same time every morning creates a pattern and makes it easier to predict when they'll need a bathroom break.
After breakfast, spend some time playing with your pup to burn off energy and reinforce your bond. This is also a good time to practice basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come.
If you're working from home, you could even incorporate short training sessions throughout the morning to keep your pup engaged and learning. The key is to keep the training sessions short and fun, so your pup doesn't get bored or frustrated. By the end of the morning, your pup should be tired and ready for a midday nap.
Midday Naps and Crate Training
Midday puppy training is another important part of your dogs daily routine. This is a good time to take your pup outside for another potty break and some fresh air.
If you have the opportunity - and your puppy is old enough - taking them on a short walk or to the dog park can provide valuable socialization opportunities. Make sure to bring plenty of water and some treats to reward good behavior.
This is also a good time of the day to practice crate training, especially if you're planning to crate your pup while you're at work or out running errands. Start by leaving your pup in the crate for short periods of time while you're at home, gradually increasing the time as they get more comfortable.
You can also give your pup a special toy or treat to keep them occupied while they're in the crate.
By the end of the midday training session, your pup should be ready for another nap or some quiet time. Remember to keep training sessions short and positive to prevent your pup from becoming overstimulated or overwhelmed.
Schedule Afternoon Breaks for Your Pup
Afternoons are a good opportunity to give your puppy a break and let them do his or her own thing. If your pup is comfortable being left alone, this is a good time to run errands or attend to other responsibilities.
Before you leave, make sure your pup has access to water and a safe, comfortable space to rest. When you return, take your pup outside for another restroom break and some playtime. You could play games like fetch, tug-of-war, or other anything else that help your pup burn off energy and build coordination.
You can also continue working on obedience commands or introducing new tricks. Remember to reward good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime.
As the afternoon winds down, start transitioning to the evening routine by providing dinner and a little downtime. This could include snuggling on the couch, grooming, or simply enjoying some quiet time together.
By the end of the afternoon, your pup should be tired but content, ready for a final potty break and a good night's sleep.
Getting Ready for Bed in the Evening
Evening training is the last opportunity of the day to reinforce good behavior and bond with your puppy. Start by taking them outside for a final potty break before settling in for the night.
This is also a good time to practice any necessary grooming, such as brushing their coat or trimming their nails. After grooming, spend some time playing with your pup to burn off any remaining energy.
You can also use this time to practice obedience commands, but keep the sessions short and positive to avoid overwhelming your pup before bed. By the end of the evening, your pup should be calm and content, ready for a full night of rest.
Doing this will create a good foundation and a tired puppy that won’t be upset when bedtime comes up.
Bedtime with Your Puppy
Bedtime training is an essential part of your puppy's routine and sets the stage for a good night's sleep.
Try getting your puppy to settle in for bed with some love and a treat or two. If your pup is still struggling with crate training, most ambient noise in the background can help keep your puppy calm and settled in.
Remember to keep the sleeping area peaceful and relaxed, don't leave your puppy in a part of your home that is being actively used.
As your pup grows, you can gradually increase the amount of time they spend in their crate or sleeping area, but always make sure they have access to water and a comfortable space to rest. An especially young puppy will need a break or two during the night to prevent any accidents.
In summary, a successful puppy training schedule should include multiple training sessions throughout the day, each with a specific focus.
In the morning, take your pup outside for a potty break, provide breakfast, and engage in playtime and training exercises. In the midday, reinforce good behavior and practice crate training, while providing opportunities for socialization and exercise. In the afternoon, continue reinforcing good behavior and introduce new skills through play,
In the evening, wind down with grooming and a peaceful environment, while preparing your pup for bedtime. Take your pup outside for a final potty break and offer a comfortable sleeping area, complete with a special treat to make going to bed fun.
By following a consistent routine you can help your pup develop into a happy, well-adjusted adult dog.
Jenna and the JLDD Team