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Raise a happy, confident puppy!Â
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With a clear plan, essential skills, and ongoing support inside YOUR Perfect Puppy and Playtime Paws Academy, you’ll know exactly what to do and enjoy the journey along the way.
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"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
Is YOUR Perfect Puppy the right fit for you?
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting! But it can also feel overwhelming.
Between potty training, sleepless nights, and trying to “do everything right,” it’s easy to wonder if you’re in over your head.
That’s why YOUR Perfect Puppy was created: to give you a clear plan, ongoing support, and the confidence to raise a happy, well-behaved dog.
This program is perfect for you if…
You're preparing for your puppy.
You want to hit the ground running with a simple plan instead of guessing or Googling.
You've got kids and a puppy.
You want everyone to be safe, happy, and build a friendship that lasts.
This is harder than you thought.
Even with research and prep, the reality feels overwhelming, and you need a clear roadmap.
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. YOUR Perfect Puppy will help you enjoy the puppy stage while raising a calm, confident dog.
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.
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
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.
The Complete Program
These powerful pieces work together to support you and your puppy every step of the way!
YOUR Perfect Puppy
A clear roadmap for the first weeks and months, so you always know what to focus on and when. No more guessing or overwhelm.
Skills and Cues
Step-by-step lessons for sit, stay, recall, leave it, and more. Plus, my recall and leave it mini-programs to build real-life listening skills you'll depend on.
Playtime Paws Academy
Weekly live support and a community of puppy parents who get it. You'll never feel stuck or alone.
Together, these three pieces give you a clear plan, the skills to succeed, and the support to keep going no matter what puppyhood throws your way.
  Let's check out the details...Â
YOUR Perfect Puppy
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.
Module 1 - Set Up For Success
Create the foundation for a calm, happy puppy and a peaceful home.
- Crate Training so your puppy has a safe place to relax and you get a break.
- How to Supervise so you can prevent accidents before they happen.
- Exercise because a tired dog is a good dog
- Create house rules that stick
Module 2 - Puppy Priorities
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.
Module 3 - Well Mannered Pup
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
Module 4 - Life Long Learning
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 month.
- Your next steps.
BONUSES AND EXTRAS
The lessons alone will put you well on your way to your well-behaved, well-mannered, and well-adjust pup!Â
As a new puppy parent, you need all the support you can get so I've added a little icing to you're already valuable cake!
Supplies for Your Puppy. Skip the overwhelm of crowded pet store aisles. I’ll show you exactly what you really need (and what you don’t).
How to use a Kong. Turn a simple toy into your secret weapon for calm, happy pups. Teach your puppy to love their Kong and enjoy hours of quiet time.
Games to Play with Your Puppy. Bond with your puppy and burn energy with games that double as training, like Puppy Ping Pong for recall and Puppy Soccer for nipping.
Mobile App. Take the course anywhere. Watch lessons on your phone, pull them up for your kids, or sneak in a refresher while your pup naps.
Skills and Cues
Alongside the core modules, you’ll get step-by-step lessons to teach the essential cues and listening skills every puppy needs so you can trust your pup in everyday situations.
The Basics
- Sit, Down, Stay: the foundation for all future training
Treat Manners & Leave It
- Teach your puppy to take food gently, without grabbing or stealing.
- Build impulse control around food, toys, and household items.
- Includes my 14 Days to a Stronger Leave It program
Attention & Recall
- Teach your puppy to focus on you, even with distractions.
- Build a reliable recall with fun games like The Name Game, Boomerang,and Â
- Includes my 14 Days to a Stronger Recall program
Bonuses for Extra Confidence
- Emergency Recall (for peace of mind when it matters most).
- Listening around distractions (so cues work in the real world, not just the living room).
Playtime Paws Academy
YOUR Perfect Puppy gives you the plan. Playtime Paws Academy gives you the support. Â
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You always have answers, encouragement, and guidance when you need it most.
Every family and every puppy is different. That’s why the Academy is designed to meet you where you are and give you personalized help along the way.
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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 puppy 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 24/7 Puppy Parent 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.
"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 Communities 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 budget. Â
Choose the plan that works best for you.
Pay in full and receive 2 bonus months inside Playtime Paws Academy.
14Â Day Guarantee
Try YOUR Perfect Puppy 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
Let's review what you get...
✔️YOUR Perfect Puppy (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 $397
✔️YOUR Perfect Puppy - Skills and Cues (Lifetime)
Teach your puppy essential listening skills like sit, stay, recall, and leave it with bonus programs to strengthen them in real life.
- Valued at $297
✔️A Supportive Community (6 months)
A safe, judgment-free place (off of social media) to ask questions, share your wins, and connect with Debbie other puppy parents who get it.
- Valued at $150
✔️Direct access to Debbie (6 months)
Personalized coaching and support for your unique pup and family dynamic because no two puppies (or families) are alike.
- Valued at $900
✔️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
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 guarentee if I am unsatified with the course?
Can't I find most of this information for free online?
Imagine six months from now...
 Your puppy is house trained, walks calmly on leash, listens when you call, and your family feels confident and connected. That’s the life you’re building today.
Stop struggling by yourself.
Raising a dog is a skill! It's not something that comes naturally to us humans. Having a guide makes it easier, faster, and way less stressful.
Who do I listen to?
Inside Playtime Paws Academy, you’ll get consistent advice you can trust. No more guessing which book, video, or neighbor is right.
You're not alone.
Every puppy parent feels overwhelmed at times. In the Academy, you’ll find a judgment-free community where you can share struggles, celebrate wins, and know you’re not alone.
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"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 more