One week Training schedual for the Acquisition Phase.

 

obedience training schedule for a dog learning:

    • Sit

    • Stay

    • Down

    • Come

    • Heel

The goal is consistent response (9/10 correct) to each cue when given once by the handler.

The Conditions

 

    • Phase: Acquisition (foundation learning)

    • Dog Level: Beginner, no prior obedience mastery

    • Handler Objective: Build clear communication, consistency, and reliability with cues

    • Environment: Quiet, distraction-free spaces progressing to mild distractions

    • Sessions: 2 per day (morning and evening), each lasting 10–15 minutes

 

 CONSTRAINTS

 

 

    • Keep sessions short and positive; stop before frustration.

    • Use high-value treats or praise as a reward.

    • Only give each cue once — reward quick compliance.

    • Avoid harsh corrections; focus on clear guidance and repetition.

    • End each session with play or affection to maintain motivation.

 

EXAMPLES

 

 

 1-WEEK TRAINING PLAN

 

DAY 1 

 

Establish a Foundation (Sit + Name Focus)

 

The Goal:

The Dog responds to his/her name and performs “Sit” reliably.

    • Morning:

        • Name Recognition (5 min): Say dog’s name → reward when they look at you.

        • Sit (10 min): Lure with treat over nose → reward when bottom touches ground.

    • Evening:

        • Sit Review (10 min): Add cue “Sit” before lure.

        • Short play session to build bond.

Why:

Builds attention and starts the communication link between cue and action.


Benefit:

The dog begins to understand that listening pays off.

DAY 2 

 

Reinforce Sit + Introduce Stay

The Goal:

The Dog begins holding the position briefly on “Stay.”

    • Morning:

        • Sit Warm-up (5–10 reps).

        • Introduce Stay (start with 1–2 seconds hold, release with “OK”).

    • Evening:

        • Combine Sit → Stay → Release (5–10 min).

        • Gentle leash walking for focus.

Why:

Teaches patience and self-control.
The Benefits:

The Dog learns that stillness leads to reward.

DAY 3 

 

Introduce Down + Strengthen Stay

The Goal:

Begin “Down” and extend “Stay.”

    • Morning:

        • Review Sit + Stay (5 min).

        • Teach Down (lure treat from nose to floor). Reward once elbows touch ground.

    • Evening:

        • Combine Sit → Down → Stay (5–7 sec hold).

        • Light distraction practice (soft noises, slow movements).

Why:

Expands obedience vocabulary and builds impulse control.


The Benefit:

Dog learns calmness and relaxation on cue.

DAY 4 

 

Add Come (Recall)

The Goal:

The Dog begins responding to recall cue.

    • Morning:

        • Warm-up Sit + Down.

        • Teach Come: Use long leash, say “Come” once → gentle pull → reward big when dog reaches you.

    • Evening:

        • Practice recall indoors from short distance (5–10 ft).

        • End with Sit + Stay.

Why:

Recall strengthens trust and handler-focus.


The Benefit:

Safety and stronger bond.

DAY 5 

 

Introduce Heel

 

The Goal:

The Dog starts walking beside handler’s left leg.

    • Morning:

        • Begin with attention exercise (look at handler).

        • Use treat to lure dog beside your leg, say “Heel,” reward for 2–3 steps.

    • Evening:

        • Practice 5-10 step Heel walks. Reward frequently.

        • End with Come + Sit.

Why:

Builds structured walking habits.


The Benefit:

Improves control during daily walks.

DAY 6 

 

Combine Commands + Reduce Treats

The Goal:

Dog links cues and starts performing sequences.

    • Morning:

        • Chain Sit → Stay → Come → Heel (short sequences).

        • Reward every 2–3 correct behaviors.

    • Evening:

        • Mild distractions (backyard, other people visible).

        • Reinforce quick response with single cue.

Why:

Builds fluency and generalization (responding in new situations).


The Benefit:

Dog begins thinking and choosing the correct response faster.

DAY 7

 

Test & Strengthen

Goal:

9/10 success rate with single cue.

    • Morning:

        • Randomized cue practice (Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Heel).

        • Track success rate in notebook.

    • Evening:

        • Review weak areas (whichever cues scored below 9/10).

        • End with fun recall games or fetch.

Why:

Testing solidifies understanding and identifies what needs more work.


The Benefit:

Confidence in handler communication and obedience reliability.

PROGRESS MEASUREMENT

    • Track each command’s success rate daily.

    • Move to the Fluency Phase when:

        • Dog performs each cue on first command 9/10 times in familiar setting.

        • Distractions don’t easily break focus.

Reliable Sources & Further Reading

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