7-12 weeks: Teach Sit, Down, Stay,
Come, Place, and Kennel Up. Puppy won't be able to hold stay
for more than a few seconds, maybe a minute, but that's fine for
now. Introduce the leash, but don't expect real heeling. Get
dog through a small "fear period" without rewarding it for being
afraid. (no coddling) Early socialization must
happen before 12 weeks. Puppy should meet plenty of people (and if
you know of any nice dogs). Puppy should be crated in your bedroom
at night.
3 months - 6 months: Reinforce all of
the above and add any "tricks" you want. Add Down-Stay, and
Sit-Stay for up to 10 minutes. Start teaching heel. Not
looking for perfection yet, but should be able to maintain a good
position for extended walks and come to an automatic sit when you
stop. "Come" from a distance, including off-leash "come" from a
distance. Teach Fetch and formalize tug of war games.
Get dog through possible second "fear period" again without rewarding it
for being afraid (don't pet or baby talk a scared dog). Puppy
should meet lots of people and accompany you everywhere possible.
6 months - 9 months: Reinforce all of
the above. Dog should be able to stay 20-30 minutes by 9
months. Puppy should still be meeting people. Just
sitting at a park and being able to see people interacting with each
other is also beneficial.
Pictures and videos of Basic Training
coming soon.