Category: FAQs

Mini Blog- FAQs

In my mini blog series – I will be answering some of the most common FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) that I am often asked. This week is it ….

How Often Should I Be Training My Puppy?

A little but often and it is dependent on the task ( is it a brand new task that the dog does not know yet?) do this more frequently to begin with in shorter stints so the can begin to get the hang of it and then add a few more minutes of it each day.

Does your dog already know what you are asking but needs improvement?

Try 10-15 minutes a day on an improving skill until it’s well practiced and if it’s well known and can be asked for everyday – add distractions next or train it in a different place for slightly longer each time or add distance a little bit at a time for example “Wait” can go from a couple of steps away to a couple of feet away and you could probably do this for 15 minutes twice a day.

But it all comes with a caveat of how motivated to learn is your dog today? If they’ve had a scary experience that day then they will probably need a while to settle down to get back into learning mode (maybe they heard a loud bang or something similar) don’t train now give -them a day or so to calm down – or a dog high on adrenaline after high octane playing session – wait until they have calmed down and try again later- now – a dog that has had a walk,been fed and been to the toilet, who is in a contented state will probably relish a little bit of extra learning today this is the perfect time to get the treat pouch out👍

Always end on a high (playing a game is good way to end training to let off some steam after thinking) and stop training if the pup or dog is getting too frustrated or tired 👍Dog trainers don’t train their dogs for an hour each day (unless the dog is a super learners of course) they work out what needs to be practiced that day and “get repetitions in” where they can – asking for 5 things on a walk asking for 5 things at breakfast asking for 5 things when someone comes to visit (distractions) and 5 things on a second walk and finally having a bit of play session late in the day gives you opportunity to get 25 mini training repetitions in that day without even trying very hard and repeat that every day for a week is 175 reps that week😍 but if I said make sure you do 175 reps this week you’d likely become overwhelmed and give up easier. Smaller chunks are always better than a long haul session.

Also aim for 5 out of 7 days and don’t allow 2 days in a row to go by without at least practicing something -we want to keep what the pup is learning fresh in their mind 🐶

So little but often is my advice for how often should I train my puppy – 5 out of 7 days because we all need a learning break too 👍❤️ Sara @ About Town Pets

Ps if you are a brand new puppy owner & you liked this post be sure to check out my previous post Surviving The First 7 Days of Puppy Ownership & Beyond