7-Day Dog Training Plan: A Simple Guide to Get Your Dog On Track
So, you’re ready to train your dog but don’t know where to start? No worries—I’ve got your back!
Whether you’ve got a rambunctious puppy or a slightly stubborn adult dog, a solid 7-day training plan can work wonders.
Now, you won’t turn your dog into a perfect canine citizen in just a week, but you can set a strong foundation that’ll make training way easier moving forward.
Before you start:
- Consistency is everything—train at the same time each day.
- Positive reinforcement works best for quick learning.
- Keep sessions short—around 10-15 minutes is perfect for focus.
Day 1: Start With “Sit”—The Foundation of Everything

On day one, we start with the classic: sit. It’s the most basic command, but it’s also incredibly useful for keeping your dog calm and focused.
Here’s how to teach it:
🐶 Unlock Your Dog’s Hidden Genius! 🧠
Did you know? With the right brain games, your dog can become smarter, more obedient, and way less stubborn. Say goodbye to bad behavior and hello to an impressive, well-trained pup! 🐕
Transform your dog into the smartest, most well-behaved version of themselves. 🦴 Join thousands of dog parents who have already seen incredible results!
Start Training Today! 🐾- Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
- Move the treat up, so their head follows it, and their bottom naturally lowers to the ground.
- As soon as their butt touches the ground, say “sit” and give them the treat.
- Repeat this a few times during the day, in short 5-10 minute bursts.
By the end of the day, your dog should have the hang of it. Just FYI: some dogs catch on faster than others, so don’t stress if they’re still figuring it out. Be patient!
Remember to reward your pup too! You can make your own treats (there are lots of recipes on our blog) or you can just grab these reward treats from Amazon.
Day 2: Master “Sit” and Introduce “Stay”

On day two, we reinforce “sit” and introduce “stay,” which is perfect for when you need your dog to not move—like when guests come over or when you’re trying to cook without a pup underfoot.
Here’s how to teach “stay”:
- Get your dog to sit.
- Hold your hand out, palm facing them (like a traffic cop), and say “stay.”
- Take a step back, and if they stay, immediately give them a treat and lots of praise.
- If they move, just reset and try again. Keep it light and fun, not frustrating.
As they get better at this, you can increase the distance and the time they have to stay. But for now, keep it simple—one or two steps back is plenty.
Day 3: “Come” for the Win (and for Safety!)

Teaching your dog to come when called is crucial—whether they’re playing at the park or you need them to get inside ASAP because you’re late for work. It’s a lifesaving skill, literally.
Here’s the plan:
- Put your dog on a leash in a quiet area.
- Get down to their level and say “come” in a happy, encouraging voice.
- Gently tug on the leash if needed, and when they come to you, reward them with a treat and tons of praise.
Pro tip: Always make “come” a positive experience. Never call your dog to scold them! You want them to associate “come” with all good things—treats, praise, and maybe even belly rubs.
Day 4: Work on “Down” for Calmness

On day four, we introduce down. This command is excellent for calming your dog, especially if they’re getting a little too excited during playtime or when people visit.
How to teach it:
- Start with your dog in a sitting position.
- Hold a treat close to their nose, then move it down to the floor.
- As their nose follows the treat, their body will lower too. Once they’re lying down, say “down” and give them the treat.
- If they struggle, move the treat slowly and be patient. Some dogs take a little longer to figure this one out.
Once your dog is comfortable with “down,” practice it in various situations—like when they’re overly excited or just need to relax.
Day 5: Focus on Loose Leash Walking

Day five is all about loose leash walking, because no one enjoys being dragged down the street by their dog (I mean, it’s great arm exercise, but still). Your goal here is to teach your dog that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.
Here’s the method:
- Start walking, and if your dog pulls, stop walking immediately.
- Wait until they return to your side, then start walking again.
- Rinse and repeat—they’ll eventually learn that pulling = no walk.
Remember, patience is your best friend here. Some dogs pick this up quickly, while others will test your limits (and your arm strength).
Day 6: Reinforce “Stay” with Distractions

On day six, we level up the “stay” command by adding distractions. After all, it’s easy to stay put when nothing’s happening, but can your dog stay when the doorbell rings, or when someone drops a tasty snack?
Here’s how to practice:
- Get your dog into a “sit” or “down” position.
- Hold up your hand, say “stay,” and introduce a small distraction—like walking around them or clapping your hands.
- If they stay, reward them big time! If they move, calmly reset and try again.
As they improve, increase the distractions and distance, but always return to their side to release them. Never call them out of a “stay,” or they might get confused and break it in the future.
Day 7: Review and Combine Commands

By day seven, your dog should be familiar with the basics—so today is all about putting it all together. Use this day to review all the commands you’ve practiced over the week and start combining them.
For example:
- Ask your dog to “sit,” “stay,” and then call them to “come.”
- Practice “down” followed by “stay.”
- Incorporate loose leash walking into your “come” training by doing some short recalls during a walk.
This review day will help reinforce the commands and get your dog used to following a series of instructions.
Tips for Success:
- Keep Sessions Short: Dogs learn best in short bursts, so aim for 10–15 minutes per session. Multiple short sessions throughout the day are better than one long session.
- Be Consistent: Use the same words for commands every time. If you switch between “down” and “lie down,” your dog might get confused.
- Praise, Praise, Praise!: Dogs love rewards, whether it’s treats, toys, or verbal praise. Make training a fun experience, and they’ll be eager to learn.
FAQs About 7-Day Dog Training Plans
Q: Can my dog really learn all these commands in 7 days?
A: While your dog won’t be a master of every command in just a week, they can definitely start learning the basics. Consistency is key, and by sticking with this plan, you’ll lay a strong foundation for continued training.
Q: How many training sessions should I do per day?
A: Aim for 2-3 short sessions each day, around 10-15 minutes per session. You don’t want to overwhelm your dog, but frequent practice helps reinforce what they’ve learned.
Q: My dog isn’t catching on—what should I do?
A: Be patient! Some dogs take longer to learn than others, and that’s totally normal. If your dog is struggling, try breaking the command down into smaller steps and use higher-value treats to motivate them.
Final Thoughts: Consistency + Patience = Success!
Training your dog in just 7 days might sound ambitious, but it’s totally possible to set a strong foundation. The key is consistency, patience, and making training fun for your dog. They want to learn—they just need a little help from you to figure it all out.
By the end of the week, you’ll notice a real difference in your dog’s behavior, and with continued practice, you’ll have a well-trained, obedient pup who listens (most of the time, anyway). So grab some treats, set a schedule, and get ready to enjoy a week of bonding and learning with your furry friend!

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉