03/08/2026
Woofin' Good Time.
Puppy Training Plan for 4-Week Board & Train at Woofin Good Time
Below is a structured, detailed outline of what to expect and what will be trained during the 4-week board-and-train program. The plan emphasizes crate manners, potty training, door manners, various obedience cues, socialization, public access training, and a solid foundation for long-term reliability. It also notes the progressive handoff to the owner, with updates and lesson locations.
1) Crate Manners
Objective**: Create a calm, comfortable crate routine that supports relaxation and safe confinement.
Provide a cozy crate setup (bed, chew-safe toys, access to water during the day as appropriate).
Establish a cue for going to the crate (e.g., “crate” or “kennel”).
Progressive crate time: short sessions increasing gradually, with calm exit/entry to reduce stress.
Target behavior: settle quietly in the crate for set periods; no frantic crying or pawing.
Breaks: crate periods interspersed with potty breaks and play.
Safe handling: crate in a quiet area with minimal distractions during rest times.
Progress checks**:
Week 1: calm entry, minimal resistance, basic crate cueing.
Week 2–3: longer crate durations with maintenance of calm behavior.
Week 4: crate independence with owner-guided transitions.
2) Potty Training
Objective**: Consistent, reliable potty habits with a clear routine.
Scheduled potty breaks every 2 hours during the day, more frequently after meals and sleep.
Designated potty area with a known scent cue to encourage success.
Clear marking of accidents and immediate clean-up using enzymatic cleaners to prevent repeat markings.
Positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play) immediately after elimination in the correct spot.
Progression toward “potty on command” cues (e.g., “Go potty” or similar).
Progress checks**:
Week 1: understands the schedule and target area.
Week 2–3: fewer accidents; reliable signal for elimination.
Week 4: owner handoff with a predictable at-home routine.
3) Door Manners
Objective**: Prevent door dash and improve impulse control around exits and entrances.
Teach a “sit” or “wait” at doors before crossing thresholds.
Use a management plan (e.g., baby gates, tethering) to prevent bolting.
Reinforce calm behavior when doors open and close.
Progress checks**:
Week 1: controlled door approach, no rush to exit.
Week 2–3: consistent wait at doors with distractions.
Week 4: owner practice at home and during outings.
4) Food Manners
Objective**: Safe and polite food handling around meals and treats.
Training on “leave it” and “take it” with high-value rewards.
Structured feeding schedule with scoop-sizes appropriate to age and breed.
Training to wait for permission before taking food, both at feed times and during snacks.
Progress checks**:
Week 1: basic “leave it” with distractions.
Week 2–3: consistent compliance during meals and treats.
Week 4: owner cues transfer and reliable food manners at home.
5) Heel
Objective**: Smooth, controlled walking on a loose leash.
Begin with a short leash, position training (cue to match the handler’s side).
Reinforcement for staying at the handler’s pace and side.
Use of cues and rewards to maintain heel position during movement.
Progress checks**:
Week 1: initial positioning and focus.
Week 2–3: longer walks with mild distractions.
Week 4: comfortable, confident heel with owner.
6) Sit
Objective**: Reliable sit on cue in various contexts.
Start with a treat lure, then shift to cue-only sit.
Practice in low-distraction to high-distraction environments.
Generalize to different surfaces and times (before meals, before play, etc.).
Progress checks**:
Week 1: immediate sit with cue.
Week 2–3: maintain sit under motion and distance.
Week 4: owner-ready cue transfer.
7) Down
Objective**: Reliable down position on cue.
Lure-based introduction, then reinforcement with duration.
Transition to “down” under various stimuli (sound, movement, distance).
Progress checks**:
Week 1: basic down with cue.
Week 2–3: longer duration and resistance to distractions.
Week 4: owner practice and home integration.
😎 Stay
Objective**: Stay in place safely with controlled release.
Build duration from seconds to minutes.
Start with close distance, extend away from the dog, then introduce mild distractions.
Use of a release cue (e.g., “okay” or “break”).
Progress checks**:
Week 1: short stays with proximity maintained.
Week 2–3: longer stays with distractions.
Week 4: owner performs stays at home and during daily routines.
9) Come
Objective**: Reliable recall in various environments.
Start with a lure/reward-based recall; gradually remove lure.
Increase distance and add mild distractions.
Use of a clear recall cue and consistent reinforcement.
Progress checks**:
Week 1: strong response in a controlled area.
Week 2–3: recall across rooms, yard, and public spaces in training.
Week 4: owner-led recall in home and neighborhood settings.
10) Place
Objective**: Send the dog to a designated spot (crate, mat, bed) on cue.
Teach a specific “place” cue with reward at the mat/bed.
Increase duration and distance from the dog.
Build reliability across environments and family members.
Progress checks**:
Week 1: consistent go-to-place response.
Week 2–3: longer stays and varied locations.
Week 4: owner uses place cue during daily routines.
11) Socialization: Dogs and Children
Objective**: Safe, confident interactions with other dogs and children.
Controlled introductions with vaccinated, well-mannered dogs.
Positive exposure to children with supervision and safety cues.
Manage play sessions to avoid overstimulation; teach gentle play norms.
Recognize stress signals and implement downtime or breaks as needed.
Progress checks**:
Week 1: basic exposure and safety cues.
Week 2–3: friendly interactions under controlled settings.
Week 4: owner guidance on safe public/social scenarios.
12) Public Access Training (PAT)
Objective**: Behavior in public spaces consistent with a well-mannered companion.
Practice: calm entry/exit, polite leash manners, ignore distractions.
Leash handling: appropriate responses to environmental stimuli (people, pets, noises).
Tolerance for car rides, shopping environments, and occupancy in stores or public venues.
Progress checks**:
Week 2: comfortable behavior in controlled public settings.
Week 3–4: generalized PAT readiness with owner-led practice post-release.
13) Home Environment and Routine
Objective**: Dogs stay comfortably inside the home, with crate-based downtime and relaxation.
Crates used as a relaxation zone rather than constant confinement.
Balanced schedule of training, play, potty breaks, and rest.
Emphasis on building coping skills to “shut off” and relax in a home setting.
Notes**:
They are not in crates 24/7; training occurs every 2 hours with potty breaks.
Training is delivered with consistency and routine, mirroring a family environment.
14) Handoff Timeline and Training Phases
Week 0–2 (In-Facility Training)**:
Intensive training with daily sessions, updates, and videos every 72 hours.
Core skills established: crate, potty, door manners, basic obedience, and socialization.
Week 2 Start: Owner Involvement Begins**
First lesson at the facility to outline goals and progress with the dog.
Second lesson at a Lowes location to practice in a public retail setting.
Third lesson in the owner’s home to transfer the training to a familiar environment.
Week 4: Final Review and Transfer**
Comprehensive review of all cues and safety protocols.
Owner-ready plan: how to maintain routines, continue training, and troubleshoot common issues.
Final video recap and next steps for ongoing reinforcement.
15) Updates and Communication
Video and Updates Schedule**:
Videos and progress updates delivered every 72 hours
