How long does it take to train a dog?

ValleyFair Theme Park 2006

So here I am, sitting in my mobile office (RV fifth wheel) watching it rain outside and contemplating what to post in my blog today. Each week I plan to bring forth dog training advice.  So I thought I would answer the #1 question everyone asks me after seeing what I do with my dogs. That question is, “How long does it take to train your dogs”.  Unfortunately, the answer isn’t really in black or white.  I’m inclined to say anywhere from six months to two years as news reporters and interviewers typically want a simple answer. But to be honest with you, this is a very broad question. The question really needs to be more specific as I’m always training my dogs to do new things. Every dog learns at a different pace and not all of my dogs are trained to do the same stunts. Obviously, some behaviors take longer to train than others. So when asked, how long does it take, I guess it just depends on what they are doing in the show.

So you might be wondering, “how long will it take to train your dog at home”?  It could take a few days, months or years. It just depends on how much time you put into training and what you are looking to accomplish with your dog.

One of the four keys to dog training as mentioned in my previous post (“The Positive 4” Keys to dog training)  is repetition! That means you need to practice. The more you work on a behavior with your dog, the quicker they will learn. This doesn’t mean you need to burn a behavior into your dog for hours at a time. In fact, I prefer short training sessions that are anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.  Many times I introduce a new behavior to teach my dog at the start of the lesson, then during the same session I practice behaviors they already know. This keeps training upbeat and positive. The last thing you want is for you or your pet to get frustrated learning a new behavior. This is why I recommend keeping your training sessions short and mixing in behaviors your dog already knows. Rotate the new tricks and old tricks during each session to make it more exciting. This will build their confidence and ease your frustration.

PAWSITIVE NOTE: Remember…. practice makes perfect!  I recommened that you practice in different enviroments and locations. This will insure your dog will perform no matter when you need them too!