At 11 weeks old, your puppy is like a little sponge. Their brain is growing fast, and they are ready to learn real skills! But they also have a ton of energy and might start biting or nipping a bit more.
Here is a simple, stress-free schedule to keep your 11-week-old puppy busy, tired, and well-behaved.
🐾 Quick Guide
- Follow a simple Potty, Train, Play, Nap routine.
- Practice a fun recall game with your puppy.
- Teach your puppy to relax on their own bed.
- Practice loose-leash walking indoors.
- Help your puppy settle calmly when they are tired.
01
Follow the "Potty, Train, Play, Nap" Loop
Puppies thrive on routines. Keep things simple by following this easy circle of activities throughout the day:
Potty first: As soon as your puppy comes out of their crate, carry them outside to pee.
Brain training: Do a quick 3-minute learning game while they are hungry.
Interactive play: Play a fun game together, like tug-of-war or chase. Do not just let them play alone with a toy! Playing together builds a strong friendship.
Potty again: All that fun exercise will make them need to go to the bathroom again. Take them outside!
Cozy nap: Put them back in their crate with a safe chew toy so they can sleep and grow.
02
Play the "Restraint Recall" Game
Do you want your puppy to run to you instantly when you call their name? Play this super fun game to burn off their energy!
Have a family member or friend gently hold your puppy by their collar.
Show your puppy a fun toy or a tasty treat, and then run away!
Call your puppy's name. As soon as you call them, have your helper let go.
When your puppy catches you, celebrate with a big game of tug! This teaches them that running to you is the best game on earth.
03
Teach Your Puppy to Love Their Bed
You can teach your puppy to lie down calmly on a mat or dog bed using their daily food.
Stand near the dog bed. If your puppy steps even one paw on the bed, say "Yes!" and toss a piece of food onto the mat.
Keep tossing treats onto the bed while they stay there.
Soon, your puppy will realize that the bed is a magical place where treats appear. This is perfect for when you need them to relax while you make dinner.
04
Practice Walking Indoors (No Long Walks Yet!)
Do not take your puppy for long, stressful walks outside yet. They do not know how to walk on a leash, and the big world can be scary.
Instead, practice inside your house or down a quiet hallway.
Get ready: Put a light leash on your puppy. Hold some tasty treats in your hand.
Make it fun: Walk at a fun, quick pace (like you are late for something!). Every time your puppy walks nicely next to your left leg, say "Yes!" and give them a treat right by your side.
05
Calm Your Hyper Puppy on Your Lap
At the end of a busy day, puppies can get hyper or "crabby," just like tired toddlers.
Sit down and hold your puppy securely but gently against your body on your lap.
Do not let them wiggle away or bite. Keep your hands calm.
Speak in a very quiet, soft voice and stroke them gently. Say the word "settle."
Within a minute, your puppy's eyes will soften, their body will relax, and they will fall asleep.
Keep Training Fun 🐾
At 11 weeks, your puppy is full of energy and ready to learn. Keep the sessions short, positive, and fun, and always give your puppy plenty of time to rest.
Save this guide and come back to it as your puppy grows. 🐶
