According to Paul Owens, author of The Dog Whisperer (Adams Media, 1999), "Establishing a daily routine is very helpful in developing your puppy's or new dog's sense of security and confidence (and it's great for house training!)." A secure and confident dog can focus on your training efforts and can begin to more easily anticipate your expectations.
Owens says, "If you don't know what you want your dog to do, your dog can't figure it out either." He recommends setting up an environment where your dog can build on success rather than one in which he is destined to require frequent correction.
Activities to Include in Your Dog Schedule
- Feeding
- Playing
- Socializing
- Grooming
- Exercising
- Training
Throughout the day, praise appropriate behaviors and ignore undesired behaviors, unless they are dangerous to the dog or harmful to the environment. In other words, focus on what you want the dog to do, rather than on what you don't want him to do.
A Sample Daily Routine for Puppy Training
This schedule is based upon the one recommended by Paul Owens in The Dog Whisperer.
7 to 9 a.m.
- Prepare to take the puppy outside to eliminate, but first ask the puppy to sit. Going out will serve as a reward. Encourage the puppy to eliminate in a specific place, then praise the puppy for doing so.
- Take the puppy for a walk and practice heeling and sitting.
- Prepare to feed the puppy breakfast, but first ask him to sit. Take puppies under a year old out to eliminate within a few minutes after feeding.
- Give the puppy some free time to explore or play before putting him in a crate or kennel.
9 to 12 p.m.
Give the dog free time to play and rest in a secure area such as a crate or kennel. If the puppy will be alone for an extended time, give him Buster Cube or similar treat-dispensing toy to keep him engaged and occupied.
12 to 1 p.m.
Take the puppy out to eliminate and play outside. Socialize with a friendly dog if possible.
1 to 5 p.m.
Give the dog free time to play and rest in a secure area.
5 to 10 p.m.
- Take the puppy out to eliminate.
- Take the puppy for a walk and allow him to socialize and interact with people, other dogs, and the environment.
- Feed the puppy dinner.
- Give the puppy free time to play.
10 p.m.
- Take the puppy outside to eliminate.
- Take the puppy for a walk.
- Put the puppy to bed in a secure place, preferably near you.
Adjust the times listed above to fit your schedule, but note the frequency with which your puppy may need to go outside to eliminate. If you can arrange to have him taken outside at regular intervals, his house training will proceed well.
Use the puppy's crate or kennel area as a safe place for the puppy to go when he needs to rest or feel secure. Remember the basic rule of dog training: Pay attention to the behaviors you want to encourage and ignore the ones you don't. Persistence and optimism will pay off for both your and your puppy.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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