Training My New Puppy, What He Knows So Far: Susan Garrett's Plan And Puppy Schedule

My puppy, Prophet, turned four months old this week! At this point, Prophet knows nothing. What!? Now, my definition of ‘know’ is different. Although he doesn’t “know” much, Prophet recognizes many behaviors and several markers, and that’s the start of true understanding. I’m sharing exactly what my daily routine and puppy-training plan looks like and my top priorities for raising a confident, joyful dog.
🐾 Key Puppy Training Points:
00:00 Raising a puppy using positive reinforcement.
00:25 Definition of a dog knowing a behavior.
01:12 A puppy recognizing cues vs. knowing cues.
01:40 If your dog knew it, he would do it.
02:07 Top priorities when raising a puppy.
02:55 Teach a dog or puppy to want what you want.
03:24 Name recognition.
03:40 Recall and retrieve.
03:50 Reinforcement Zone.
04:28 Cooperative care.
04:43 Socialization, Habituation, Generalization.
05:05 Turning distractions into white noise.
05:32 Goal is environmental neutrality for puppy.
06:05 Day in the life of Susan Garrett and Prophet the Puppy.
09:52 Two reasons to not walk puppies often.
13:14 Create a successful puppy training environment.
17:07 Conditioning, shaping and target training for puppies.
18:20 Verbal override training for puppies.
19:25 Always take a puppy to relieve themselves on leash.
Resources:
1. Podcast Episode 24: Help for Dogs who Chase Chipmunks, Bicycles, and Neighbor’s Cats (Distraction Intensity Index) #24 - • Distraction Intensity ...
2. KZbin Playlist: Puppy Essentials with Susan Garrett Dog Training - • Puppy Essentials with ...
3. Podcast Episode 90: Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of Value - • Premack, Dog Training ...
4. KZbin Playlist: Dog Agility Training and Dog Sport Tips with Susan Garrett - • Dog Agility Training a...
5. Podcast Episode 13: Naming Your Puppy or Dog - • Naming Your Puppy or D...
6. Podcast Episode 147: Teach Your Dog To Listen Off Leash And Far Away - • Teach Your Dog To List...
7. KZbin Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - • Understanding Your Dog...
8. Podcast Episode 180: Taking Your Puppy To A Café Or Restaurant: Socialization Success - • Taking Your Puppy To A...
9. KZbin Playlist: Cooperative Care and Consent in Dog Training with Susan Garrett - • Cooperative Care and C...
10. Podcast Episode 107: Pedicure Please: 3 Steps To Dog Nail Trimming Or Grooming Success At Home! - • Pedicure Please: 3 Ste...
11. Podcast Episode 184: Proofing Vs Generalizing In Dog Training To Grow Skills And Confidence - • Proofing Vs Generalizi...
12. Podcast Episode 242: Help! Why Won’t My Dog Pay Attention? (Secrets Of Focus) - • Help! Why Won't My Dog...
13. KZbin Playlist: Crate Games and Crate Training for Puppies and Dogs with Susan Garrett - • Crate Games and Crate ...
14. Podcast Episode 48: Potty Train Your Puppy in a Week (Easy 3 Step Process) - • Potty Train Your Puppy...
15. Podcast Episode 166: Puppy Freedom: How Much Is Too Much? - • Puppy Freedom: How Muc...
16. KZbin Video: DIY Puppy Bombs: Easy & Affordable Enrichment Toy for Puppies - • DIY Puppy Bombs: Easy ...
17. Podcast Episode 239: Barking Dogs! How To Help Your Dog Be Quiet And Stop Annoying Barking - • Barking Dogs! How To H...
18. Nina Ottosson Food Puzzles - www.nina-ottosson.com/product...
19. KZbin Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett - • Dog Training Games wit...
20. Podcast Episode 87: Canine Fitness: Why ALL Dogs Need It And 3 Easy Exercises To Start - • Canine Fitness: Why AL...
21. KZbin Playlist: Target Training for Dog with Susan Garrett - • Target Training for Do...
22. KZbin Playlist: Sit, Down, Stand, Stay! Dog Training Duration Behaviors with Susan Garrett - • Sit, Down, Stand, Stay...
23. Podcast Episode 151: How Location Specific Reinforcement Markers Will Improve Your Dog Training! - • How Location Specific ...
24. KZbin Playlist: Loose Leash Walking with Susan Garrett - • Loose Leash Walking wi...
*25. Squeeze Tubes - geni.us/squeeze-tubes
*26. Toppl Dog Toy - geni.us/toppl
27. Podcast Episode 181: Training Multiple Dogs To Wait Turns And Relax - • Training Multiple Dogs...
28. Podcast Episode 6: The Art of Manipulation - • The Art of Manipulatio...
29. Podcast Episode 171: Dog Training With Layered Shaping: Why Classical Conditioning Must Come First - • Dog Training With Laye...
*30. Silicone Textured Coaster Targets - geni.us/silicone-coasters
31. Podcast Episode 155: 10 Ways To Teach A Sit WITHOUT A Food Lure! Unreal Results For Puppies And Dogs Of All Ages - • 10 Ways To Teach A Sit...
*Amazon Links Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@DogsThat]

🐶🎓 Check out our Puppy Essentials playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLphRRSxcMHy2hywpv3Md3HbWWPPbVF8W5&si=bbqoQ6hUg_fhdtlh 🐾The puzzles, targets and Toppl Prophet enjoys: Nina Ottosson Food Puzzles - www.nina-ottosson.com/products/all-products/ *Silicone Textured Coaster Targets - geni.us/silicone-coasters *Toppl - geni.us/toppl *Amazon Links Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Susan only recommends products she uses herself, and all opinions expressed here are her own. The link above is an affiliate link that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you decide to buy from it. Thank you.

[@katherinecollmer1094]

If the dog knew it, he would do it! Best quote yet! Thank you!

[@yuminagaoka515]

My new puppy girl arrives in three weeks! This video is perfect!! As always, I cannot thank you enough, and am learning so much from your love and generocity.

[@melindamardon4522]

I was encouraged to see that Susan is working on 40 different things!! I'm a first time dog owner and trainer and I too am working on so many things!! Cooperative Care, Husbandry, plus the Recallers program!! Plus, the first 5 months of us having our pup we were in different training that has caused some undesired results!! I'm so thankful Susan showed up on my UTube!!!

[@DogsThat]

👏👏👏

[@mariebutler6619]

Wow, wow, W O W! Unbelievable.....I asked for this exact video, just this morning!. Susan, you are a LEGEND! Your little lad is so gorgeous. So much free, truly inspiring content. So much gratitude. Thank you my lovely. 😘 Also thank you to your brilliant team. Thought of you today Susan.... we're on holiday in stormy Cornwall (England) and I saw a Vegan chocolate chip cookie that was huge....when held up, it was the size of my son's face 😂😂😂🍪

[@Lilithliin]

This is perfect and the timing is so great for my neighbor who has a puppy thank you Susan I love your videos

[@DogsThat]

Thank you! 🐾❤️

[@katebrown618]

Incredible podcast . So many gems for anyone with a dog no matter the age.. thank you once again Susan!!!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@M7ofATC]

Awesome! I’m laying catch up on hit old videos but I’m going to watch this one now. My pup is 20 weeks old today!

[@rogehnimunoz4327]

You are such an amazing teacher. I’m learning a lot from you. Thank you so much.

[@rosieleat6868]

My puppy is just six months old, currently snoring, next to me in bed lol while I am watching this and our recaller video for teh day. Love these updates on your puppy and seeing your daily routine, they are fun to watch, really helpful and a supplement to our recallers training with my adult dog as well :) It is great to see another puppy training (who is far far FAR beyond where we are at lol lol)

[@jessiemay3422]

Always so much good information! Getting my puppy in a few months and can’t wait to hopefully join Recallers

[@agraves3557]

Wow, what an eye opener! It was so helpful for me to get a detailed idea of how Prophet spends his day. I realize that I've been feeling guilty about having my puppy spend much time in his pen. So he's out causing puppy havoc, I'm trying to get stuff done but sort of supervising him too. Neither of us is focused on each other!

[@egbun]

My house is much smaller, no room for an X pen. So I use my kitchen-snack table area as a "pen" when I am working or eating or reading in there. A few toys for play, plus able to teach her not to enter the kitchen when I am there (danger of tripping etc), and simple behaviors such as patience around food. It works because I would do a lot of stuff in this location anyways.

[@azogal53]

So impressed! Superstar puppy! 🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪

[@wonderingbit]

Dear Susan thank you so much for sharing all this with us! One big question I have listening to this podcast: it sounds like your whole routine moves around the new puppy. But what are the other dogs doing in the mean time? Where do they sleep? When do you find time to train with them during those first months of puppyhood? Maybe you want to expand on this giving us some glimpse of how to coordinate a faboulus puppy-rasing-plan with the everyday needs of our older dogs in the house..? THANK YOU!

[@watchmoivies123]

Oh I see this one hoping to see a new video every week or two of him. He’s coming along well.

[@pollynaz520]

Always have great info for new puppy owner, just want say thank you so much, ❤❤❤

[@furrygodmother5199]

Still laughing... I got to where you said "all that is in there is the toilet bowl brush" implying it was on the floor and then you confessed that that you had picked it up. Just as I has suspected right before you said it. L0L! BTW as an adult with ADD I can sure relate to not hearing/processing what someone said when there is distractions around! Spot on!

[@The1eviltemptress]

Ddaaaaammmmnnnn giiiiirrrrrrlllll! I realize that this is your job. Your business. But I’m exhausted and jealous after watching that video! If he is aware of 40 different skills or commands it sounds like you may be doing all of Recallers on a daily basis? Your pups are very fortunate to have landed at your doorstep. By the way, boys have become my favorite because they love their mammas! Little cuddle bugs.

[@DogsThat]

I think if you added the “in progress “ behaviours up most people would have at least 20 -30 with their puppies. I TOTALLY agree about cuddly boys❤🤎

[@007brasso700]

Just awsome😮

[@richelleandre9729]

I can't keep up with your brilliant advice and it's giving me anxiety! My pup is 11 weeks old (we got him at 9 weeks) and I feel so far behind watching your video. I am doing the home school the dog . We are honing stage 3 of the treat dive and hand targets. She knows her name, is comfy in the crate and pen (tho definitely has FOMO) and I can redirect her about 80% of the time out walking the yard on leash. It is a bit overwhelming to try and piece all the elements of puppyhood and dog training together. I think I need to focus on socializing for a few weeks then get back to training. with the collar grab up next!

[@DogsThat]

Hi Richelle, you're doing amazing with what you're doing, please do not compare yourself or your pup with anyone else, just strive to be a little better than yesterday 🐾❤️

[@hope1922]

This is fantastic 👏 Thank you! I have only ever owned one dog at a time. I would really like to add a second dog to our home but I am very scared that I won't have the time. Currently I spend about 1.5 actively engaging with my dog every day. If I get a second dog that would jump to 3hours which might be manageable but it is a lot with a full time job and managing a household. I would really appreciate if Susan does a video on her routine with multiple dogs. How much time does she spend with each dog individually? What activities can be done together? Thank you!

[@delrose19]

Hello @DogsThat, I know nothing. Not waving, drowning over here. My question is this, what happens when I have brought home a 3m old puppy from a breeder, and a 12m old rescue? They’ve formed a fast friendship, race around the yard together (yes unleashed 😮) and I realise that I need to make a connection with each of them, as I know I’m losing the battle with them listening to me. We haven’t even started yet. I have come across your videos on KZbin. There’s only me, how do I train them separately. I know I can’t do it all, but I want to do something. Do I just keep one in a pen, or on leash nearby us and then swap and re-do the same activities? Our nearest puppy school is closed up now until February so it’s homeschooling during this valuable period of time. I bought a bag of treats and then listened to your podcast where I need an exit plan from those if I’m to use them. What now? 😅

[@DogsThat]

Hi Julie, you got this! A great start could be the episode about working multiple dogs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2WvXqWXZcuqmZo And then you could go through the Puppy Essentials playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLphRRSxcMHy2hywpv3Md3HbWWPPbVF8W5 Happy training! 💕

[@jt4351]

On the topic of names and nicknames: my dog has three - his government name, a shortened version of that, and well, "baby". lol He responds to all three depending on the situation. I'm curious to know your opinion on a recall. Should only one be used for a strong recall or should I work through all three to get him to come?

[@DogsThat]

I personally work on the recall with at least two of the names I use routinely. Once they understand to come when called ton , you can call them anything and they will come.

[@gwensharp6318]

What raw food do you feed your puppy and does he never get kibble, if not isn’t this bad for their teeth?

[@heathermanson7074]

Question for Susan. When Prophet romps around the house, does he get an opportunity to play freely with the other dogs? Many thanks! Excellent podcast!

[@DogsThat]

He is out loose with my other dogs quite often however none of them really wants to play with him. Momentum and This! most often just leave the area when he is around, Swagger loves to watch him rip around, play or train but doesn’t want to play with him, Belief will play but we limit that as it can escalate fast (and I’m afraid someone will get hurt as they want to chase each other). Tater Salad will occasionally engage him, but mostly ignores him. However when my friend Lynda is here he loves to play with her BC Totem.

[@forzy7]

Are those long tug/rope toys from west paw? I couldn't find them on their website at all

[@DogsThat]

Hi! They're from 4 My Merles: www.4mymerles.com/product-category/say-yes/

[@jaimemiller7950]

I was surprised to hear how much time Prophet has "Free-roaming" in parts of your house! I have a pup of the same age, and am in recallers, and I can only have my pup out of her pen if I am fully supervising her! (Even with our house as puppy-proofed as I can, there is plenty of mischief for her to get into if I'm not closely supervising). I'm curious how you got Prophet to the point where he can be hanging out in your home with minimal supervision at such a young age!

[@DogsThat]

When I say “free roaming“ I mean, fully supervised, free roaming!

[@jaimemiller7950]

That is more what I would have expected! :-) But at 7:08 you mention that Prophet romps around the house while you get stuff done in the kitchen (for roughly 15-30 min it sounds like)...I guess in my mind that's pretty different than full supervision. Unless he is right in the kitchen with you and you're doing pretty minimal chores but mostly still keeping an eye on him? Thanks for the great (as always!) info!

[@watchmoivies123]

Oh profit is so so cute. He looks like he’s gonna stay small but I’m not sure he looks like maybe under 35 pounds.

[@DogsThat]

🤎

[@cass.n.m]

Great video. Are you using a head halter with him yet? I've seen previously that you use them with all your puppies. If not what age would you generally introduce it?

[@DogsThat]

I always shape the acceptance of a head halter and let my puppies decide if we need it. With This! for example on almost never needed it. Time will tell with Prophet!

[@janmurray5945]

Even on a leash for toilet breaks, my puppy is distracted by the environment, unless she is truly desperate, like first thing in the morning. Her preference for her toilet is somewhere dry and a bit private (like on woodchips or hay, and near a shrub) but even if grass is the only option, she will fool around pulling grass, watching birds fly over etc. Is there something else I should be doing?

[@DogsThat]

Hi Jan, there's help for you and your pup in Susan's episode on Potty Training, here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGK4oqaOhqd7Z6Mfeature=shared

[@richelleandre9729]

What squeeze tube do you use to feed raw on the go?

[@DogsThat]

Hi Richelle, we've added a link in the video description, resource #25. Thanks for asking!

[@lyndillin1753]

You reference number 48 to watch regarding potty training. How do I find your videos by number ?

[@DogsThat]

Hi @lyndillin1753 our podcast index will help - dogsthat.com/podcast-all-episodes/

[@DogsThat]

And here's the video for 48 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGK4oqaOhqd7Z6M

[@dbyerly1ful]

I’m in Recallers. My puppy is older than yours and I am no where near 40 behaviors! What am I doing wrong?

[@DogsThat]

One of the most important lessons to learn what gap you should measure. Should you measure the gap between you and a Multi-Time World Champion dog trainer? Should you measure the gap between your current dog and your past dog at the same age? The answer to both and most comparisons is no. That’s just not healthy. That gap has the potential of leaving you frustrated or feeling like a failure. If, when This! was a puppy, I compared her to where her litter mates where or any other dog I’ve ever owned in my life, she would have just not measured up. Would it mean she wasn’t as valuable or important, was it that she was flawed in some way? No, it would have just been an unhealthy comparisons. Healthy comparisons are measuring the gap between where you are today and where you were yesterday. Quantify that difference, evaluate yourself against yourself on video. That is how you will see exponential improvement and massive, consistent appreciation for both your dog and the amazing job you are doing raising them. ❤

[@UNbalancedDogTrainer]

Lol my personal dogs don’t know “stay,” “leave it,” “heel” and I can’t remember what else they don’t know 😂 they are Recaller dogs Ahhh okay they also don’t know “watch me” “focus”

[@April_19855]

What dog breed is Prophet?

[@DogsThat]

Hi, he's a Border Collie 🤎

[@April_19855]

​​@@DogsThatah alr, tysm! He's so cute! 😊

[@joshuagray4001]

What breed is he?

[@RaptorsGirl]

He is a Border Collie

[@karigunderson5284]

What is a puppy bomb?

[@lindajakub624]

Does your puppy eat veg. Too?

[@DogsThat]

Hi Linda, Susan's dog are fed a raw diet. She shares more in this episode about her challenges with her dog This!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZnPh2uDZpWCaLc