Inside your home, things are fine.
Outside, everything feels harder.
You call them once.
Nothing.
You repeat yourself.
Still nothing.
On walks, you see another dog and brace yourself.
When guests arrive, you start apologizing before they even walk in.
You love them.
You know they're smart.
But you also wonder...
Did I miss something?
Is it too late?
Is this just who they are now?
It's not.
You’re raising a teenage dog.
This is the stage where they test everything.
Where excitement wins over self-control.
Where listening depends on what else is happening.
It doesn’t mean you failed.
It means you need a clearer plan.
One that builds habits through small, consistent steps.
This is exactly what YOUR Well-Mannered Dog was designed for.
"Debbie’s lessons made me feel confident and excited!"
In the weeks and months leading up to bringing our new puppy home, listening to Debbie’s lessons made me feel confident and excited! Her knowledge and support during that crazy time were so valuable in setting us up for success - I’d recommend the academy time and time again!
- Erica and Daisy
YOUR Well-Mannered Dog
in three steps
Here’s how we build the behavior you want in a way that actually holds up.
Build the Foundation
Understand why your dog acts the way they do and what needs to shift first.
When you understand what’s driving the behavior, your next steps become clear.
Learn the Skills
Teach your dog what you want from them.
No guessing.
No endless drills.
Clear, step-by-step exercises that focus on what matters most.
Strengthen for Real Life
Skills only matter if they hold up outside your livingroom.Â
So we practice them in real-life situations.
This is where you stop bracing and start feeling confident.
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You don’t need tons of training.
You need to focus on the skills that matter.
YOUR Well-Mannered Dog is a good fit for you if...
You got through potty training, crate training, and all the puppy stuff. Now your dog is jumping, pulling, ignoring you, and acting like they forgot everything you've taught them.Â
You're thinking:
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They listen sometimes, but not when it really matters
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Walks feel unpredictable or exhausting
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You’re tired of repeating yourself
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You know they’re capable, you’re just not sure how to get more out of them
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You want clear direction, not random tips
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You love your dog, but you just want things to feel easier
If you’re feeling discouraged but still committed, you’re in the right place.Â
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This program is not the right fit if:
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You’re looking for a quick fix
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You want perfection without patience
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You’re not ready to practice consistently
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You’re not open to adjusting your own habits
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You’re only interested in steps, not the understanding behind them
This work is simple, but it's not instant.
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It's not about learning more commands
Your teenager might already know some cues.
Or maybe you’re just getting started.
Either way, you’re in the right place.
Adolescent behavior isn’t about how many commands they know.
It’s about consistency, understanding what’s driving their behavior, and building habits that hold up in real life.
Over the years, I’ve seen dogs who know every command and still create chaos.
And I’ve seen calm, steady dogs who don’t know many formal cues at all.
Learning cues matters, and we’ll absolutely do that.
But cues aren’t the end goal.
Habits are.
This program isn’t about collecting commands.
It’s about building the skills and habits that make listening show up when it matters.
They won't just grow out of it.
Adolescence amplifies behavior.
More energy.
More independence.
More testing.
Some things improve with maturity.
But habits don’t disappear on their own.
If a dog practices pulling, barking, or ignoring cues long enough, those patterns get stronger.
Not because they’re stubborn.
Not because you failed.
Because dogs learn through repetition.
Teenage behavior doesn’t automatically go away.
It changes with guidance.
The good news?
You’re not too late.
But the sooner you step in, the easier it becomes.
By the end you'll have:
Good Habits
A puppy who understands the house rules (like no nipping, chewing, or leash pulling) so life at home feels calmer and more enjoyable.
Puppy Priorities
Potty training, crate training, and socialization on track, with a clear system that keeps accidents and frustrations to a minimum.
Essential Skills and Cues
The cues that matter most (like sit, stay, attention, and more). Plus bonus programs to strengthen recall and “leave it” so you can trust your pup in everyday life.
Confidence as a Puppy Parent
The know-how to see the world through your puppy’s eyes and handle challenges with ease, now and as they grow.
Healthy Kid-Puppy Relationship
Games, rules, and activities that create a safe, happy friendship between your kids and your pup both inside and outside your home.
Well-adjusted puppy
A dog who isn’t just well-behaved, but also happy, confident, and able to thrive in today’s busy world.
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Most Importantly:
You’ll feel proud, prepared, and connected as you raise your puppy into the dog you’ve always wanted.
Meet Your Trainer
Hi, Debbie here! I’m the creator of YOUR Perfect Puppy and Playtime Paws Academy.
I’ve been helping new puppy parents since 2011.
After leaving the corporate world to follow my lifelong passion for dogs, I’ve guided hundreds of families through the ups and downs of puppyhood.
What I love most is teaching not just what to do, but why it works, so you feel confident raising your pup well beyond our time together.
My goal is simple: when you finish this course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to raise a happy, well-adjusted dog for life.
Want to get to know me better? Tune into my podcast, Your New Puppy, available wherever you listen to podcasts.
What Students Are Saying
"I feel confident about the basic principles she taught me."
I found “Your New Puppy” podcast right before I got my rescue puppy. I then got the whole Your Perfect Puppy and Academy program and Debbie was so helpful in the first year of my puppy Blossom’s life with me. We got off on the right foot and while there are still things to navigate, I feel confident about the basic principles she taught me. - Elissa and Blossom
"Debbie’s videos and resources were so so helpful to get us on the right track!"
We had never had a puppy before and Debbie’s videos and resources were so so helpful to get us on the right track! She helped us understand what to expect in our first months and how to best support our pup growing into a well behaved dog. We appreciated her perspective and constant reminders to enjoy the journey, too! - Julie and Millie
"I want to thank you (Debbie) for all your advice & support."
I want to thank you (Debbie) for all your advice & support. I learned SO much from you and enjoyed listening to your podcasts. You're EXCELLENT at your job. I enjoyed your philosophy & style of puppy training. - Maggie and Harley
YOURÂ Well-Mannered Dog
You’ll have lifetime access to a program that walks you through every stage of puppyhood. Each module builds on the last, so instead of wondering what to focus on, you’ll always know the next best step.
The Basics
Create the foundation for a calm, happy puppy and a peaceful home.
- Crate training to give your puppy a safe place to relax, and you get a break.
- How to supervise to prevent accidents before they happen.
- Exercise because a tired dog is a good dog
- House rules that stick
Attention & Recall
Tackle the most important stuff from day one, so you’re not stuck fixing problems later.
- Complete potty training process.
- Socialize the right way.
- Stop puppy nipping before it ruins playtime.
Treat Manners & Leave It
Build everyday manners that make life easier at home and out in the real world.
- Chewing and stealing (what’s theirs vs. yours)
- Prevent resource guarding
- Loose leash walking made simple
Leash Manners
Know what’s coming next, so you feel prepared for every stage of your dog’s life.
- Learn the basics of dog body language so you can listen to your pup.
- Behavior changes to expect in their first 18 months.
- Your next steps.
People Greetings
Build everyday manners that make life easier at home and out in the real world.
- Chewing and stealing (what’s theirs vs. yours)
- Prevent resource guarding
- Loose leash walking made simple
Playtime Paws Academy
Your not doing this alone.
You always have answers, encouragement, and guidance when you need it most.
Behavior change is easier when you’re not second-guessing yourself.
That’s why YOUR Well-Mannered Dog includes six months inside Playtime Paws Academy.
A membership of like-minded dog parents and direct access to me, so you never feel stuck.
Every family and every dog is different. That’s why the Academy is designed to meet you where you are and give you personalized help along the way.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
Weekly live calls with Debbie
Bring your questions, hear coaching on real-life struggles, and connect with other dog parents who get it.
A supportive community (no social media required!)
Share wins, ask questions, and get advice from Debbie and parents going through the same journey.Â
Lucy, your 24/7Â Dog Training Assistant
Get instant answers anytime with Lucy, your AI-powered puppy assistant, trained on Debbie's philosophy and resources to guide you when she's not right there.
Enrichment Database
Never run out of ways to keep your puppy busy and happy, with activities sorted by cost, food-free, and more.
Mobile app
Listen to Q&As, participate in the community, and share with the family all through a convenient, user-friendly mobile app.Â
And more...
You’ll also get bonus perks like mobile access, occasional discounts, and other surprises waiting for you inside.
BONUSES AND EXTRAS
The lessons alone will put you well on your way to your well-behaved, well-mannered, and well-adjusted pup!Â
As a new puppy parent, you need all the support you can get so I've added a little icing to your already valuable cake!
The Enrichment Database
Hundreds of practical activities designed to channel teenage energy into something productive. Because a well-mannered dog is also a fulfilled dog.
How to Teach Your Dog to Listen with Distractions
A focused training on layering distractions intentionally, so listening holds up outside your living room.
Mobile App.Â
Take the course anywhere. Watch lessons on your phone, pull them up for your kids, or sneak in a refresher while your dog naps.
These resources support everything you’re building inside the program.
"We went from 30+ minutes of non-stop barking in the crate to settling within a minute now!"
Debbie, the Playtime Paws Academy, and the community have been vital to getting us where we are today! The Your Perfect Puppy course helped us get off on the right foot (we started this one even before we got our puppy). The weekly Q&A and Community helped with answering questions specific to our pup and were very timely. Debbie also offers to review videos of certain behaviors to help come up with a solution tailored for you. One of our biggest challenges was crate training. And with Debbie's help we got from 30+ minutes of non-stop barking in the crate to settling within a minute now!
- Diana and Lychee
Want a preview?
Watch this quick video to get an inside look at YOUR Perfect Puppy and Playtime Paws Academy, and see how easy it is to find the lessons, tools, and support you’ll use every day with your pup.
 Ready to jump in? Â
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Two options to fit your needs. Â
Join the full program and recieve 2 bonus months inside Playtime Paws Academy.
Why is this such a good deal?Â
Several of these sections are available as standalone programs.
Purchased separately, they total $291.
Six months inside Playtime Paws Academy is $150.
That brings the total to $441.
Inside YOUR Well-Mannered Dog you get the full system plus 6 months of support for only $247.
A payment plan is available. Just reach out.Â
Still not sure?Â
14Â Day Guarantee
Try YOUR Well-Mannered Dog and Playtime Paws Academy risk-free for 14 days. That’s plenty of time to explore the lessons, attend a Q&A, and see how much easier life feels with the right plan and support.
If it’s not the right fit, no worries. Just let us know and we’ll give you a full refund no questions asked.
To see the full refund policy click here.
"What sets Debbie apart is the value she offers in her membership - an ongoing support system that is always there when you need it."
I can't recommend Debbie enough as a dog trainer! She is not just friendly and approachable, but incredibly knowledgeable about dog behavior. Over the course of our sessions, she has provided insightful and practical advice for every behavioral issue I've encountered with my pup, from the simplest to the most complex. What sets Debbie apart is the value she offers in her membership - an ongoing support system that is always there when you need it. Whether it's a quick question or an unexpected challenge, Debbie is just a message away, ready to provide guidance. Not to mention, the price of her membership is incredibly reasonable, especially when compared to other options in the market!
- Mary and Hammer
Your frequently asked questions answered...
What age does my puppy need to be to enroll?
I have an older puppy, will this course still be worth it?
Will I have access to the course material after 4 weeks?
Do I need any prior training experience required?
What training methods are used in the course?
Is there a community where I can ask questions?
Is there a money back guarantee if I am unsatisfied with the course?
Can't I find most of this information for free online?
Skills and Cues
If you’re feeling discouraged, I understand.
Adolescence can make you question everything.
You’ve already put in work.
You’ve already tried things.
You love your dog.
You just want things to feel easier.
This program isn’t a quick fix.
It requires consistency.
It requires patience.
It requires you to adjust how you respond to your dog’s behavior.
But that doesn’t mean you won’t see progress quickly.
Sometimes the shift starts with understanding.
Your dog checks in a little more.
You feel clearer about what to do next.
And those small shifts build.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You don’t need to know everything.
You just need to be willing to show up and follow a clear plan.
If that’s you, you’re ready.
It doesn't have to be this hard.Â
You love your dog.
You’re not trying to create perfection.
You just want things to work.
Walks that feel manageable.
Greetings that aren’t chaotic.
A dog who listens when it matters.
That doesn’t come from more commands.
It comes from clear communication and consistent habits.
And that’s exactly what this program is designed to build.
If you’re ready for things to feel steadier, clearer, and more manageable…
YOUR Well-Mannered Dog is ready for you.
"I followed Debbie's advice from the start and I must say this was a lifesaver."
I got an 8 week old English yellow lab at the end of July 2020. I never had a dog before and I knew there would be a lot of training involved, both for my puppy and me! I searched online for some guidance and came across Playtime Paws with Debbie Cilento. I listened to her podcasts and then went to the website and signed up for the Your Perfect Puppy course. The way Debbie talked about training just made so much sense to me. I followed Debbie's advice from the start and I must say this was a lifesaver. No doubt there were tough times in the puppy stage but my sweet girl, Millie, is a happy and well trained (well, mostly) doggo. And after the puppy stage, Debbie was there for follow-up problems with the weekly online Zoom meetings. Debbie is a great source of knowledge with respect to dogs, training and their behavior. Thank you so much, Debbie.
- Karen and Millie
More about Debbie
I'm a Jersey girl with a passion for dogs and those who love them. I help dog parents build the knowledge, skills, and habits to raise well-mannered, confident dogs while having fun along the way.
I host the Your New Puppy podcast and offer in-person and online training for families who want support at every stage of their dog’s life.
Learn moreHere's everything included
when you join.
✔️YOUR Well-Mannered Dog (Lifetime)
A clear roadmap through the first weeks and months so you know exactly what to focus on and raise a well-mannered, well-adjusted dog.
- Valued at $291+
✔️A Supportive Community (6 months)
A safe, judgment-free place (off social media) to ask questions, share your wins, and connect with Debbie and other puppy parents who get it.
- Valued at $150
✔️Enrichment Database (6 months)
100+ fun activities (and new ones added regularly) to keep your pup entertained, engaged, and out of trouble.
- Valued at $150
✔️Multiple ways to access all the valuable resources (Lifetime)
Desktop or mobile app;Â learn and get support wherever you are.
- Priceless!
