Creating a puppy training plan: 6 essential elements

To raise a happy, confident and well-behaved dog, it’s important to be proactive and have a puppy training plan in place.

That means having clarity and training in the right way from the start.

Don’t wait for something to go wrong because then you’ll need to undo what your puppy has learned. 

Being proactive can save you time, money, and stress. It can also strengthen your relationship with your puppy. 

But what should be in your puppy training plan? 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please don’t panic!

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my top tips for putting together a comprehensive puppy training plan. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a happier, more well-behaved puppy. 

Don’t wait – start creating your puppy training plan today!

Creating your puppy training plan: 6 essential elements

1. Nerd out: Understanding human learning skills

If we don’t get it right, how can we expect our pups to get it right? Get clear on what you’d like your puppy to learn and the steps you need to take to get there.

Where appropriate, film yourself and be super observant – what can you do to help your puppy learn more effectively?

Make sure everyone in the family is consistent.

2. Outings: Exploring your local area and community

Safely expose your unvaccinated puppy to the sights, sounds and smells of your local area.

Keep it short and watch your puppy’s body language.

Let your puppy observe at a distance and take it at their pace.

3. Socialisation and positive exposure: Introducing your puppy safely and positively

Next, think about what your puppy is likely to experience throughout their life. Make a list.

Will you be travelling in the car for a walk? Will your puppy wear a coat or harness? Or perhaps, you are expecting to hear construction sounds near your home in the future.

Whatever your puppy’s future looks like, ensure you create positive associations with a range of items, people, animals, surfaces, sights, sounds and smells.

4. Problem solving and prevention: Identifying management strategies

Identify the management strategies you are going to use to prevent undesirable behaviour occurring. Make a list and make sure you have everything you need before your puppy arrives home.

For example, are you going to need a puppy play pen? So you know when you’re making tea, your puppy is relaxing in their safe space and not chewing, biting or peeing on something you’d prefer them not to.

Are you going to get everyone in the house on board with putting away their favourite trainers? So chasing your puppy when they’ve picked one up, doesn’t turn into a great game!

Puppies are puppies and they do what comes natural to them. They don’t know any different.

Whilst having management strategies in place, these are not forever. You need to teach your puppy the behaviours you like from the start, such as biting an appropriate toy or chew, spending a short amount of time alone and toileting outdoors.

5. Enrichment: providing physical and mental stimulation

Puppies are made for adventure, they’re natural explorers. Give them opportunities to problem-solve, investigate and use their nose, teeth and paws.

Spend time getting to know your puppy and what they find motivating and enjoyable. This could be visiting the best digging location, playing their favourite game together or learning a new skill.

Ensure you add an element of enrichment to your puppy’s day. It will make a world of difference!

6. Foundation behaviours: Building blocks for future learning

These are the behaviours everyone thinks about when they think of puppy training. Think about what skills your puppy will need at home and when you are out and about.

This might be settling on a mat whilst your eating dinner or when you visit a café, you enjoy adventure walks, so having a good recall is going to be essential or maybe you have chosen a large breed and walking nicely on a lead is going to make both of your lives a whole lot easier.

Whatever these may be, identify your priorities and get started as soon as possible.

Make sure you address each of the elements in this approach, because if you do, you will be able to teach your puppy the foundation behaviours.

It’s much easier to teach the basics to a puppy who is calm, happy and relaxed whilst at home and out and about. Every puppy guardian needs a holistic training plan.

I hope this’ll help you create yours.

And if you want instant access to all the support you need to raise an awesome pup, check out ALL THE DEETS of my Puppy Wise Academy. 

In this blog post we’ve shared the 6 essential elements of a puppy training plan and why they’re key for raising a happy, confident and well-behaved dog.

Please let me know in the comments if you’ve found this article helpful. And if you enjoyed it, please share it!

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Happy training!

Lindsay xx