7-Day Dog Training Plan: Build a Better-Behaved Dog in Just One Week 2025

By David
Updated: July 27, 2025

Training your dog doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re working with a high-energy puppy or an adult dog who’s never quite learned the ropes, this 7-day dog training plan gives you a clear, achievable roadmap to get started. It’s simple, effective, and built around positive reinforcement, setting the groundwork for long-term success.

💡 Pro Tip: Training won’t turn your dog into a perfect pup overnight, but this plan will give you a reliable foundation. Stick with it—and you’ll be surprised at how much your dog can learn in just one week!

📋 Before You Begin: What You Need to Know

Before jumping into training, there are a few principles to keep in mind that will make your journey smoother and far more effective.

✅ Golden Rules of Dog Training:

• Consistency is everything: Train at the same time each day.
• Short sessions work best: 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times a day is ideal.
• Reward good behavior immediately: Use high-value treats, toys, or praise.
• Use clear, single-word cues: Stick to one word per command (e.g., “Sit,” not “Sit down now”).

Have treats ready? Let’s get started!

🐶 Day 1: “Sit” — Your Foundation Command

“Sit” is the cornerstone of obedience. It teaches your dog to pause, focus, and wait for your next cue—making it easier to teach every other command.

🔄 How to Teach:

1. Hold a treat near your dog’s nose.
2. Move your hand upward. Their head will follow, and their bottom will lower naturally.
3. The moment their butt hits the floor, say “Sit” and reward them.
4. Repeat in 5-minute bursts throughout the day.

🧠 Advanced Tip: Once they’ve got it, start adding distractions like other people in the room or mild background noise.

✋ Day 2: “Stay” — Teaching Self-Control

Once “Sit” is reliable, build on it by introducing “Stay.” This command helps your dog learn impulse control—a skill many dogs struggle with.

🔄 How to Teach:

1. Ask for a “Sit.”
2. Show your hand, palm forward (like a stop sign), and say “Stay.”
3. Take one step back. If they hold the position, reward with a treat and praise.
4. If they move, reset calmly and try again.

🎯 Goal by end of Day 2: Dog can stay for 5–10 seconds with you 1–2 steps away.

🗣️ Day 3: “Come” — A Critical Safety Command

The recall (“Come”) is a potentially life-saving command. It brings your dog to you on cue—whether at the dog park, near a busy road, or inside your home.

🔄 How to Teach:

1. Attach a long leash and let your dog explore a bit.
2. Squat down, open your arms, and call “Come!” in a happy voice.
3. Gently reel them in if needed. Reward heavily once they reach you.

❗ Important: Never use “Come” to scold your dog. Always make it a happy, rewarding moment—even if they were misbehaving before.

🛏️ Day 4: “Down” — Teaching Calm Behavior

“Down” is great for managing excitement, nervousness, or when you simply want your dog to relax.

🔄 How to Teach:

1. Start from a sitting position.
2. Lure your dog with a treat from their nose to the ground.
3. As they lie down, say “Down” and reward immediately.
4. Practice in low-stress environments first, then generalize to new spaces.

🔁 Advanced Variation: Start adding a “Stay” after “Down” for even better control.

🦮 Day 5: Loose Leash Walking — Ditch the Pulling

Walking a dog who pulls is frustrating—and exhausting. This day is all about teaching polite leash manners.

🔄 How to Teach:

1. Walk a few steps. The moment your dog pulls, stop.
2. Wait for them to return to your side. Reward when they do.
3. Resume walking. Repeat consistently.

💪 Pro Tip: Use a front-clip harness for better control and combine walks with “Sit” and “Come” training.

🎯 Day 6: Stay with Distractions — Real-Life Reliability

Let’s put that “Stay” to the test. Today, we’re adding movement, sound, and tempting items to build real-world obedience.

🔄 How to Practice:

1. Ask for a “Sit” or “Down.”
2. Give your “Stay” cue.
3. Walk in a circle, clap your hands, or place a treat nearby.
4. If your dog holds the position, reward big! If not, calmly reset.

🧠 Advanced Tip: Use a release word like “Okay!” to let your dog know when the stay is over.

🔁 Day 7: Review & Combine Commands

Today is all about reinforcement and chaining—combining learned behaviors into smooth sequences.

🧪 Practice Combinations Like:

• “Sit” → “Stay” → “Come”
• “Down” → “Stay” → Introduce a toy or distraction
• Loose leash walking → “Come” → “Sit”

Keep it fun. Mix in favorite rewards and celebrate every success!

🧠 Bonus: Advanced Training Tips for Long-Term Success

Once your 7-day foundation is set, here’s how to keep the momentum going.

🔄 Continue Training With:

• Proofing: Practice commands in different environments (parks, busy streets, indoors).
• Generalizing: Vary your body language, tone, and positions so commands work across all contexts.
• Fading Rewards: Use intermittent rewards to maintain performance without relying on treats every time.

💬 Voice Marker Training: Begin pairing hand signals with voice cues to strengthen understanding.

📌 FAQs – Common Dog Training Questions

❓ Can my dog really learn all this in 7 days?

Not perfectly—but yes, the basics can be introduced in a week. Think of it as laying the first brick in a lifelong training journey.

❓ How many times a day should I train?

Aim for 2–3 short sessions per day. It’s better to do several short bursts than one long, overwhelming session.

❓ My dog isn’t catching on. What now?

• Switch to higher-value treats (chicken, cheese, liver bits).
• Break commands into smaller steps.
• Practice in a quieter space first, then increase difficulty gradually.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Build a Bond That Lasts

Training isn’t just about commands—it’s about communication, trust, and building a strong bond with your dog. This 7-day plan isn’t a finish line—it’s a starting point. Keep showing up. Keep rewarding progress. Keep it fun.

Your dog is learning from you every moment. Make those moments count. ❤️🐕