Pet owners find dog training to be a highly rewarding experience; however one common question is “How long does training take?” The answer to this question is different for every dog, and will depend on many different factors including the dog’s age (puppies tend to learn faster than older dogs), breed (some breeds learn faster than others), the consistency you are able to demonstrate during the training process, and your methods of training.
This article will present the reader with realistic timelines associated with dog training, and provide the reader with information about various stages of dog training for all types of dogs.
Factors Impacting Dog Training Time
The next important element in dog training is consistency. Dogs learn by repetition only. Therefore, irregularly scheduled training sessions can greatly reduce the amount of progress you make with your dog when you teach them new skills.
Common Mistakes That Slow Training
- Inconsistently scheduled training sessions
- The use of confusing or harsh commands
- Expecting your dog to learn new behavior too quickly
Basic Puppy Training Timeline
Adult dogs must not be bombarded with outside distractions but rather have calm, organized training sessions where they will be able to focus, be comfortable, and thrive. With other young dog and cat training methods, you should also account for physical limitations of older dogs.
Because older dogs are generally less physically as simply as younger dogs, the types of exercises performed with the older dogs will need to be modified. The gentlest way to consistently train an adult dog in the long term will be through gentle and patient methods.
Challenges in Adult Dog Training
The biggest obstacle to training an adult dog is changing his already established habits. Typical obstacles to changing an adult dog’s established habits will be leash pulling or ignoring commands when given. Because of these established habits, it will take a significant amount time for the dog to develop new habits in their place.
The successful change of a dog’s behavior will rely heavily on the use of positive reinforcement. When an adult dog performs something good or appropriate, he will want to continue performing that action because of the reward he receives for doing so. Dog parents can help an adult dog learn and develop to the point of having an effective routine with persistence and patience.
Stages of Dog Training Progression
Dog Behaviour education occurs in several stages and does not occur immediately. These stages are progressive and must be learned at each level. By producing an understanding of these stages, owners will be able to manage their expectations and observe their dog’s developing behaviours.
Learning Stage
The first stage of training is called Learning. This is done by introducing the command to the dog. Repetition of the command has become embedded into the dog’s memory. The dog will start to give a reliable response to commands but may make a number of mistakes.
Practice and Reinforcement
In this phase, consistent practice with the commands is needed in order for the dog to move beyond this phase of development.
Moving Towards Behaviour Consistency
When the dog moves further into training, they will reach Behaviour Consistency. Commands will be performed with a high level of fidelity to the command even when some level of distraction is present. At this level of training, the dog is developing a solid understanding of owners’ expectations.
It is important to provide diversity of practice environments in order to maximise the dog’s behaviour consistency. This will prepare the dog for situations in their everyday environment, not only in familiar environments.
Factors That Slow Down Training
In contrast, continuous and repetitive patterns are critical in developing a faster understanding of what is expected. Inconsistency in the environment can also impede progress.
Training in a loud or high-volume environment is generally not a good environment for training because it decreases the dog’s ability to focus, resulting in increased time to train. A quiet location must be available to help the dog learn about commands before using them in a practical environment.
Environmental and Behavioral Challenges
- Consistency of training
- Highly distracting training locations
- Mixed signal/unclear commands
- Lack of patience and/or inconsistent
By addressing these factors through stability and remaining calm and composed when working with the dog, training can occur with greater efficiency and speed.
Dog Training Tips To Make Training Go Faster
There are ways you can make dog training go faster while still getting the same high-quality results from dog training. Short-duration and well-focused (concentrated) training sessions will improve your dog’s learning abilities.
Daily reinforcement during training for 10 – 15 minutes is much better than having one long, tiring training session. Reinforcing your dog’s commands through frequent training will help your dog remain engaged in the training at all times, and reduce any risk of losing interest.
Effective Training Techniques
A thorough understanding of your commands and tone of voice will make a great difference in your dog’s learning ability and speed at which they learn.
Developing A Routine For Training
- Provide your dog with a reward right after performing the commanded behaviour.
- Training sessions should remain short and interesting so they can remain engaged and continue to participate in the training process.
By using these tips, it will give you a system to use throughout your dog training, and over time, you will see quicker results through the use of your structured training approach and continued repetition of behaviours.
Ways To Know Your Dog Is Trained
While it can be hard to determine when your dog is fully trained, as training continues to take place over time instead of being a stop-point, there are several functional clues indicating that your pet has reached a reasonable level of obedience.
One of the primary indicators of a well-trained dog is that they follow commands regularly, regardless of location or circumstance as demonstrated by the previous examples. Another sign of a trained dog is consistent response to commands (e.g., sit and stay) regardless of level of distraction.
Behavioral Indicators of a Trained Dog
A trained dog should walk on a leash, with little resistance, around people and dogs, appropriately respond to various situations in a calm manner, and should enjoy walking with you.
A trained dog will also display appropriate behavior in all locations throughout his/her life. There are no jumping on furniture, jumping at other dogs, excessive barking, or aggressive/reactive behavior without just cause, which can be indicators that they learned self-control.
Advanced Signs of Training Success
As well as responding quickly to verbal and body language cues, your dogs’ ability to understand verbal and non-verbal cues can represent successful communication/relationship between dog/owner, which will promote long term success for both you and your dog.
- Follow directions, even when distracted
- Stay calm when in public
- Walk on a leash without pulling
- Easily adapt to routine and change
The above indicators indicate high levels of training and that you’ve successfully completed your goals with your dog.
Creating Long Term Habits for Training
Training continues after your dog has learned the initial commands. Reinforce commands within the normal flow of your daily life and continue to practice even after training has ended.
Continue to introduce new challenges to your dog to keep him engaged and remain patient and remain consistent over the long term. Building the following habits will help ensure your dog remains well-trained throughout his/her lifetime.
Conclusion
Training your dog should not focus on “quickly reaching the finish line” and training should focus on building a long lasting and strong relationship with your dog.
