Training Tips
First and foremost I want to say this page is made for our adopting families and is protocol/training styles we personally prefer and use with our puppies and dogs, this does not mean these techniques will work on EVERY dog as every dog is different and some require other styles of training that we personally do not use strictly due to the fact what we use currently works for US and OUR DOGS. This page is also meant for reflection and revisiting, it likely won't all "stick" in your brain with full recall with just one read through. So many of these articles, training tips, and documents are printed and in your pup's go home folder as well, but we are constantly updating our website and information so checking back in would be beneficial!
Our Daily Puppy Routine (7 AM – 10 PM)
This schedule includes two structured crate rest periods for puppy crate training and rest.
Morning
7:00 AM — Wake & Potty Break
7:15 AM — Bring Out Food (We free feed so they have access to food from 7:15am till 7:00pm)
7:30 AM — Short Play / Training
8:00 AM — Potty Break
8:15–9:30 AM — Crate Rest Time (1+ hour)
Mid-Morning
9:30 AM — Potty Break
9:45 AM — Play / Socialization
10:30 AM — Training Practice
11:00 AM — Potty Break
Afternoon
12:00 PM — Show Food
12:15 PM — Potty Break
12:30 PM — Calm Play / Enrichment
1:00–2:30 PM — Crate Rest Time (1+ hour)
Late Afternoon
2:30 PM — Potty Break
3:00 PM — Exercise / Walk Practice
4:00 PM — Playtime
4:30 PM — Potty Break
Evening
5:30 PM — Desentization
6:00 PM — Potty Break
6:30 PM — Family Time / Socialization
7:30 PM — Pick Up Food & Final Play Time
8:30 PM — Calm Activity
9:00 PM — Potty Break
10:00 PM — Bedtime
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Puppy Behavior Milestones Guide |
First-Year Training Roadmap |
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8–12 Weeks Development stage: early learning and bonding Common behaviors: Training priority: |
8–10 Weeks Focus on:
Frequency: 4–6 short sessions daily. 10–12 Weeks Focus on:
Frequency: 5–10 minute sessions, several times daily. Months 2–3 Goals:
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3–4 Months Development stage: confidence building Common behaviors: Training priority: |
3–4 Months Focus on:
Frequency: 2–3 structured sessions daily plus practice during daily routines. Goals:
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4–6 Months Development stage: independence phase Common behaviors: Training priority: |
4–6 Months Focus on:
Frequency: 10–15 minute sessions, 2–3 times daily.
Goals:
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6–12 Months Development stage: adolescence Common behaviors: Training priority:
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6 Months and Beyond Focus on:
Frequency: Daily practice incorporated into normal life. Goals: Months 9–12 Goals: |
General Training Guidelines
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Keep sessions short and positive.
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End on a successful attempt.
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Be consistent with cues and rewards.
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Practice in multiple environments as your puppy progresses.
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Use calm, clear communication rather than repetition.
Step-by-Step Crate Training
A crate should feel like a safe, calm resting place — never a punishment.
All of our pups produced and raised by us are started on potty training at 3 weeks of age, while this seems young to many, its proven to work well for our program and pups with very good results by 6 weeks. We implement potty boxes initally, then graduate to dog turf potty areas inside, then finally only turf in their designated outdoor area. With this technique it leaves very little for our pup's adopting families to do potty training wise outside of making up a routine that fits their pup and personal schedule! This all said one main take away that I can't stress enough with every dog is routine is your BESTFRIEND, and it takes 30 days on average to establish a routine your dog and you know like and can live by.
Step 1: Introduce the Crate Positively
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Place the crate in a common living area.
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Leave the door open.
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Put soft bedding and a few safe toys inside.
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Allow your puppy to explore it freely.
Step 2: Create Positive Associations
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Toss treats inside for your puppy to find.
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Feed meals near or inside the crate.
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Praise calmly when they enter voluntarily.
Step 3: Close the Door Briefly
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Once comfortable entering, close the door for short periods (1–5 minutes).
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Stay nearby and keep the experience calm.
Step 4: Gradually Increase Duration
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Slowly extend crate time while you remain in the room.
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Later begin short periods leaving the room.
Step 5: Build Routine Crate Time
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Use the crate for:
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Nap times
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Overnight sleeping
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Scheduled rest breaks
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Important Crate Training Tips
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Always provide a potty break before crating.
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Keep departures and returns calm.
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Never crate as punishment.
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Ensure the crate is appropriately sized:
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Large enough to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
Step-by-Step Potty Training
Consistency and routine are the keys to success.
Step 1: Establish a Schedule
Take your puppy out:
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Immediately after waking
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After eating or drinking
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After playtime
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Before bedtime
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Every 1–2 hours for young puppies
Step 2: Choose One Potty Spot
Use the same outdoor location each time to build association.
Step 3: Use a Cue Word
Say a consistent phrase such as “Go potty” calmly.
Step 4: Reward Immediately
As soon as your puppy finishes:
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Praise calmly
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Give a small treat within seconds
Step 5: Supervise Indoors
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Watch for sniffing, circling, or restlessness.
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If you see signs, take them outside immediately.
Handling Accidents
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Stay calm.
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Clean thoroughly with enzyme cleaner.
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Never scold after the fact.
Housebreaking Timeline Chart by Age
8–10 Weeks
Bladder control: very limited
Typical ability to hold:
• 1–2 hours during the day
• Overnight with 1–2 potty breaks
Focus:
• Very frequent potty trips
• Immediate rewards after success
• Constant supervision indoors
Expected accidents: normal and frequent
10–12 Weeks
Bladder control: improving but still developing
Typical ability to hold:
• About 2 hours during the day
Focus:
• Consistent schedule
• Beginning to signal before going out
• Reinforcing outdoor success
Expected accidents: still common but decreasing
3–4 Months
Bladder control: noticeably stronger
Typical ability to hold:
• 3–4 hours during the day
Focus:
• Fewer scheduled potty breaks
• Learning to wait briefly
• Strong routine building
Expected accidents: occasional
4–6 Months
Bladder control: mostly developed
Typical ability to hold:
• 4–6 hours during the day
Focus:
• Reliability
• Asking to go out
• Fewer supervision restrictions
Expected accidents: rare
6+ Months
Bladder control: fully developed
Typical ability to hold:
• 6–8 hours (daytime)
Focus:
• Consistency
• Clear communication signals
Accidents: uncommon unless routine changes
Step-by-Step: Teaching “Sit”
Step 1: Get Your Puppy’s Attention
Hold a small treat close to your puppy’s nose while they are standing and focused on you.
Step 2: Lure Into Position
Slowly move the treat upward and slightly back over their head. As their nose follows the treat, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground.
Step 3: Mark the Behavior
The moment their bottom touches the floor, calmly say “Yes” (or use a clicker if you prefer) and immediately give the treat.
Step 4: Add the Verbal Cue
Once your puppy begins sitting reliably with the lure, say “Sit” just before moving the treat. Repeat consistently so they associate the word with the action.
Step 5: Fade the Lure
Gradually perform the same hand motion without holding a treat. Reward from your other hand once they sit.
Step 6: Practice Briefly and Often
Keep sessions short, about 3 to 5 minutes, and practice several times each day.
Helpful Training Tips
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Keep training positive and calm. Reward success and never push your puppy into position.
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Timing is important. Reward within one to two seconds of the sit.
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Use small, soft treats that are easy to eat quickly.
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Train when your puppy is alert but not overly excited or tired.
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End each session on a successful attempt to keep your puppy motivated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Repeating the command multiple times.
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Training for too long at once.
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Using treats that take too long to chew.
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Practicing when your puppy is distracted or overstimulated.
Signs Your Puppy Understands
Your puppy is learning when they begin to sit after hearing the cue without a lure, or when they start offering a sit on their own to gain attention or rewards.
Step-by-Step Process Teaching “Down” (Lie Down)
Step 1: Start From a Sit
Begin with your puppy in a sitting position. Hold a treat close to their nose.
Step 2: Lure to the Floor
Slowly move the treat straight down toward the ground between their front paws, then slightly outward away from them. Their body should follow the treat into a lying position.
Step 3: Mark and Reward
The moment their elbows and belly touch the floor, calmly say “Yes” (or click) and give the treat.
Step 4: Add the Verbal Cue
Once your puppy follows the lure easily, say “Down” just before moving your hand.
Step 5: Fade the Lure
Gradually reduce the hand motion until your puppy responds to the verbal cue alone.
Helpful Tips
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Practice on soft, comfortable surfaces.
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Be patient—some puppies take longer to learn this position.
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Reward calm, relaxed body language.
Signs Your Puppy Understands
Your puppy is learning when they begin to lay down after hearing the cue without a lure, or when they start offering a sit on their own to gain attention or rewards.
Step-by-Step Process Teaching “Stay”
Step 1: Begin With Sit or Down
Ask your puppy to sit or lie down first. Do so holding a treat in your hand going back like sit then proceeding down to the floor in to down your pup will likely be following the treat guiding their body into a laydown without outside pressure or guidence.
Step 2: Introduce the Stay Cue
Hold your palm toward them and say “Stay” in a calm voice.
Step 3: Take a Small Step Back
Move back just one step. If they remain in position, immediately return, mark, and reward.
Step 4: Gradually Increase Distance
Slowly add more steps, always returning to reward while they remain still.
Step 5: Add Duration and Distractions
Increase how long they stay before rewarding, then begin practicing in slightly more distracting environments.
Important Tips
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Always release your puppy with a word such as “Okay” or “Free.”
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Do not call your puppy out of a stay at first—return to them to reward.
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Progress slowly to avoid confusion.
Signs Your Puppy Understands
Your puppy is learning when they begin to stay after hearing the cue without a lure, or when they start offering a sit on their own to gain attention or rewards.
Step-by-Step Process Teaching Recall “Come”
This is one of the most important safety commands.
Step 1: Start Close
Begin in a quiet area. Say your puppy’s name followed by “Come” in a cheerful tone.
Step 2: Encourage Movement
Crouch slightly, open your arms, or gently move backward to encourage them to approach.
Step 3: Reward Immediately
As soon as they reach you, mark and give a high-value reward, along with calm praise.
Step 4: Increase Distance Gradually
Practice from farther away over time.
Step 5: Add Distractions Slowly
Once reliable indoors, begin practicing outdoors on a leash.
Important Tips
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Always make coming to you a positive experience.
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Never call your puppy for something negative (such as scolding or ending play immediately).
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Use very high-value rewards for recall training.
Signs Your Puppy Understands
Your puppy is learning when they begin to recall after hearing the cue without a lure, or when they start offering a sit on their own to gain attention or rewards.
Common Training Troubleshooting Guide
Puppy Won’t Listen
Cause:
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Too distracted or tired, ( usually mentally, but can be physical as well).
Solution:
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Train in a quiet environment.
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Schedule in naps during the day.
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Train after naps and potty breaks.
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Keep sessions short.
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Increase reward value.
Frequent Potty Accidents
Cause:
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Too much freedom too soon.
Solution:
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Increase supervision.
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Use crate or tethering.
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Take out more frequently.
Crying in the Crate
Cause:
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Needs adjustment time or potty break, note puppies can be manipulative if they have had a recent potty break and are still whinning in their crate they naturally don't want to be alone so will try to encourage you to keep them with you. We highly recommend sticking to crate training despite the inital challenges and frustrations it may come with. Crating your pup is good safety practice for them, as well as your home integrity, and your own sanity.
Solution:
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Ensure potty needs are met.
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Ignore brief whining.
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Avoid letting puppy out while crying.
Jumping or Nipping
Cause:
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Normal puppy excitement.
Solution:
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Redirect to toys.
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Reward calm behavior.
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Stop play immediately if biting occurs.
Poor Recall Response
Cause:
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Command used inconsistently.
Solution:
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Practice on leash.
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Use high-value rewards.
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Never call for negative outcomes.
Difficulty Settling
Cause:
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Overtired or overstimulated.
Solution:
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Increase structured rest periods.
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Provide calm crate time.
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Maintain consistent routine.
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End each session on a successful attempt to keep your puppy motivated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Repeating the command multiple times.
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Training for too long at once.
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Using treats that take too long to chew.
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Practicing when your puppy is distracted or overstimulated.