Puppy Training Schedule by Age: Are You Following the Right Plan?

Sep 19, 2025

Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important aspects of raising a happy, well-behaved dog is puppy training. But here’s the big question: When should you start training your puppy, and what’s the best schedule to follow as they grow?

To help you set your furry friend up for success, we’ll break down a puppy training schedule by age so you can guide your pup through every stage of development.

Why a Training Schedule Matters for Puppies

A consistent training schedule helps your puppy:

Build good habits early
Learn basic commands faster
Develop social skills with people and other dogs
Avoid destructive behaviors
Grow into a confident and obedient adult dog

Puppy Training Schedule by Age

8–10 Weeks Old: The Foundation Stage

At this young age, your puppy is like a sponge. Focus on:

House training: Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals and naps.
Name recognition: Teach your pup to respond to their name.
Basic commands: Start with “sit,” “come,” and “stay” using positive reinforcement.
Socialization: Expose your puppy to different sounds, people, and gentle handling.

10–16 Weeks Old: Socialization and Basic Skills

This is a crucial learning stage. Work on:

Expanding vocabulary with commands like “leave it” and “down.”
Continued potty training consistency.
Introducing your puppy to other dogs (once vaccinated).
Short leash walks to get used to collars and harnesses.

4–6 Months Old: Building Confidence

Your puppy may test boundaries during this stage. Focus on:

Reinforcing commands and practicing recall in different environments.
Teaching bite inhibition and discouraging chewing.
Crate training for safe alone time.
Beginning structured playtime and longer walks.

6–12 Months Old: Teenage Phase

This stage can be challenging as your puppy gains independence. Stay consistent with:

Advanced commands like “heel” and “wait.”
Longer training sessions (10–15 minutes).
Continued socialization to avoid fear-based behaviors.
Setting boundaries to prevent bad habits from sticking.

12 Months and Older: Adulthood Training

By now, your dog should have a solid foundation, but training doesn’t stop. Focus on:

Advanced obedience or agility training.
Mental stimulation with puzzle toys or trick training.
Reinforcing good behavior daily.
Maintaining regular exercise to avoid boredom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I start training my puppy?
A: You can start basic training as early as 8 weeks old. Keep sessions short and positive.

Q: How long should training sessions last?
A: Puppies have short attention spans. Aim for 5–10 minutes several times a day.

Q: What’s the most important command to teach first?
A: “Come” is essential for safety, but pairing it with “sit” helps build obedience.

Q: What if my puppy isn’t responding to training?
A: Be patient and consistent. Use treats, praise, and keep training fun. If issues persist, consider working with a professional trainer.

Final Thoughts

Raising a well-trained puppy takes time, patience, and consistency. Following a puppy training schedule by age ensures that your furry companion learns the right skills at the right time, setting them up for a lifetime of good behavior.

Remember, every puppy is unique. Adjust the training pace based on your dog’s personality, breed, and energy level. With love and dedication, you’ll soon have a loyal and well-mannered best friend by your side.

✅ Helpful Note: Consistency is key—training isn’t about perfection but about progress. Celebrate small wins, stay patient, and enjoy the journey of raising your puppy.