How long should does training take? I want my dog to be obedient. How long does it take?
These questions are very vague and too general to give you an honest answer. We can offer you an approximate time frame, based on what you are looking for, but that's it. It's only an educated guess.
Kenna Harrison and I, the two trainers have two options we can give you when it comes to advice, or training. We can lie to you, and tell you we have all the answers, we will have your dog the perfect lady or gentleman in no time, and/or we can have your dog obedient in 1 weekend.
You will hear me say all the time. I believe in being honest to my clients, even if the news isn't something they want to hear. We OWE this to you. We OWE it to you, to be honest, caring and knowledgeable, You are paying us with your time and money to help you. it sound cliche, but we work for YOU, not the other way around.
So, let me address some training tips and something to keep in mind when you are thinking of getting your dog trained.
How long should I train my dog??? The answer is, for their entire life. Dogs need to learn the task, but then have it maintained throughout their whole life. Just like we must exercise to stay in shape, dogs must stay in mental shape to be proficient at being obedient.
Now, this doesn't mean you will need to attend every class we offer, every week. We try and show you what you need to do, so you can come as often as your circumstances permit, but so you can also work with your dog outside of classes. The more work you put into the training, the better off you're going to be. The better your dog is going to be. Remember the quote, "your dog doesn't have to be the same tomorrow, as he/she is today."
As most your are, or have, commit to training your dog. Take some time, weekly with us, and daily with them, to work with them. Be their guide. Be their advocate. Be their ALPHA.
In an answer to how long training may take? This really depends on a number of factors; too many to adequately write down. But, lets cover a few.
First. How trainable is your dog?? This is a very real thing. As most of you have seen, some dogs pick it up quicker than others. Some dogs connect the dots quicker, and that's okay. That can depend on genetics, breed, age, how long you spend training them and your demeanor. Be confident. Be happy, and enjoy the training you are getting with your dog.
Second. What is it you'd like to have your dog learn? If all you are wanting is to have your dog sit on command, than you won't need to spend a lot of time in our training program. But, if you want your dog to, sit, stay, lay down, heel, on and off leash, have no separation anxiety, or sensory problems, be social and friendly and confident, then you'll be in it for the long haul. As I stated above, it's their entire life, you'll work on these tasks and disciplines.
Work with your dogs at home. You can spend as little as 15 minutes a day training them, or you can spend hours. That's up to you. But however long you train, make it fun for your and for the dog. I've said it before, nothing makes me happier than to see a dog and handler succeed. Whether that be in obedience, or overcoming some psychological issues with the dog (or the handler I guess), this brings a huge smile to my face.
Know this. At Maligator Kennels, we will ALWAYS be honest with you. We ALWAYS have your best interest at heart.
Most of you I have met, and of those that I've met, I love you guys dearly. I can't tell you how often I sit and stress about classes (in a good way) because I want you and your dog to succeed so badly. I drive my wife crazy because I spend so much time thinking about my clients, and trying to get you all set up for success.
We try and be available to you as often as our circumstances permit. If you can't make it to classes one week, but you still have questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks for reading.
