This is a question that is asked a lot. Every owners wonders and I can understand why. I think most people assume that they have to spend hours every day training their dog in order for it to learn. Sure every dog will need different amounts of work every day, but it really is so easy and doesn’t take very long.
Every dog varies in stamina, mentally and physically. So each is going to be different. It’s important to be able to see when your dog is showing signs of becoming tired. You will want to end the session BEFORE they are so tired that they move slowly and have no motivation. You want to end on a good, upbeat note.
The amount of time is really less important than the quality of training you are doing. For example, 5 minutes of 7 great repetitions is way better than 15 minutes of 25 sloppy repetitions. Try to focus more on the quality of training rather than how long the session lasts.
You should try to do as many short sessions a day that you can. The more practice, the faster your dog will learn. Don’t work your dog until they are knocking on deaths door. Short, multiple sessions will be best. Once you start training you will notice how long your dog can work and how often. At a minimum, you should aim for 5 minute sessions 5 times a day. I’m sure some of you are like, “I don’t have time to train my dog for 25 minutes a day!” These short sessions are soooo easy to fit into your schedule.
You don’t have to have a set schedule like: 5 P.M. – train Fluffy for 5 minutes. 5:05 P.M.- put Fluffy up to rest. 6 P.M.- train for 5 minutes. Yeah, you get the picture. I’m not saying you can’t do that. Go for it if that is what works for you. If you are busy and don’t really have time to set aside specifically for training (for my sake and your dogs please try to make time) you can do training sessions while you are doing something else. So when you are getting ready in the morning put your dog on place, in a sit, down or whatever. Work with your dog during those few minutes while you are waiting for your coffee, cooking your eggs, making supper, watching TV, etc. It is seriously that easy. If you can’t multitask, you’re gonna learn today!
Keep it short and more importantly, HAVE FUN!
