Animal Care

How Long Does It Take To Train A Dog

Ricky Kambray
Ricky Kambray

Most dog owners frequently want to know, How long does it take to train a dog? In general, the time varies. Usually, it takes 6 weeks to teach your dog the basics. However, long daily sessions take more than 4 weeks, whereas short, bi-weekly training sessions take 9 weeks.

After that, you will get a trained dog. You know a trained dog is always a good companion in every way.

But there are many other things you should be aware of. So, continue reading this blog to learn more about how long it takes to train a dog and additional relevant information.

Let’s get started!

Good practices in Dog Training

5 Golden Rules of Dog Training

Before you begin, it is a good idea to learn about the golden rules of dog training. Here are five golden rules for making dog training more manageable and better while avoiding some of the most common mistakes owners make.

We will now take a tour of the golden rules, as follows.

  1. Avoid repeating yourself
  2. Create a pleasurable experience.
  3. Facilitate predictable outcomes.
  4. Pay the sticker price.
  5. There is no time for punishment.

What are the 3 D’s of Dog Training?

Here we’ll look at one of the keys to successful dog training. It is a simple rule that all top trainers adhere to, and you can also go. The 3 D’s are the leading green dot strategies.

Let’s discuss this trio concept.

  • Direct: You directly intervene in a situation by addressing those involved.
  • Delegate: If you do not feel uncomfortable intervening, You can enlist the help of someone better equipped.
  • Distract: You can indirectly intervene in a potential red dot situation by distracting those involved.

Training Your Dog

When Should You Start Training Your Dog?

When you bring a new puppy home, begin its training right away. The best time to start training is around 7 to 8 weeks. It is also the age to socialise your puppy with new people and species, allowing them to explore and have new experiences.

You can introduce your family member, friends, relatives and other local people to your dog first. But remember, start your training with gentle commands.

For newborn puppies, you can apply some training processes at home, for example-crate training, that helps you in potty training.

A man is giving training to dogs

Number of Sessions to Train A Dog

It’s standard advice to train the dog frequently, such as three short daily training sessions. But, on the other hand, training classes are usually held once a week.

However, you can practice at home as well. But most research suggests it’s better to train once or twice weekly than daily. 

One theory is that it allows for more rehearsal time; it is well-known that sleep is essential for learning. However, having longer gaps between training sessions allows for more trials while sleeping. It will also enable more rehearsal during wake time.

How Many Times A Day Should You Train Your Dog?

Dogs get distracted and bored if you run your training session for a long. It creates a chance they’ll start making mistakes.

To achieve good results for your pet dogs, you can train a dog-

  • Once or twice a week.
  • 1-2 days per week.
  • 5-15 minute training intervals.
  • Young puppies or dogs need shorter sessions.
  • Remember, if you take one hour-long training class, give several breaks during the class.

A man is playing with his pet dog in a park

How Long Does it Take to Train a Dog?

We already know it holds 6 weeks to teach the fundamentals. However, 4 weeks need for long daily sessions, whereas short, bi-weekly training sessions take 9 weeks. But do you know the following thing?

  • At 7-8 weeks, start leash training indoors at this age. 
  • 8-10 weeks old is perfect for the training session
  • At 10-12 weeks old, they learn no bite Learning Not to Bite. First, teach them not to bite your hands or ankles. 
  • 12-16 Weeks Old, it’s time for potty training. Make a schedule. Ensure to take your puppy out,  
    • in the morning 
    • after eating
    • playtime, and
    • naps throughout the day.

Can you potty train a dog in 3 weeks?

This question has no definitive answer. Your puppy will take 4-6 months to be fully reliable. But it depends on their size, age, and ability to learn. For example, some puppies can learn how to be toilet trained quickly in only a few weeks, whereas for some dogs, it may take longer and could be up to a year.

Age of a Puppy be for Obedience Training

You can start basic training as early as 7 weeks. You can say cues such as “sit” once. Use a treat to position your dog in a sitting position. Give your puppy joy and praise.

As per the American Kennel club, Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal behaviourists, and many trainers now recommend that puppies with no health issues begin classes as early as 7-8 weeks.

According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), generally, puppies can start socialisation classes as early as 7-8 weeks.

At least seven days before the first class and the first deworming, they should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines. Puppies should be kept updated on all vaccines throughout the course.

A dog wearing belts standing in grass

 

7 Basic Dog Commands

It’s necessary to know the 7 basic dog commands. These commands develop and help to ensure your dog is relaxed and polite while walking on a leash. Not only this, these commands will help you get your dog out of potentially dangerous situations. Instead, have a look at the following 7 basic dog commands.

  1. Sit
  2. Stay
  3. Down
  4. Come
  5. Off/Leave it
  6. Heel
  7. No

Remember, whenever you give, don’t yell at your dog. Aggressive and punishment-based dog training can result in behaviour problems for dogs.

The Duration of Training a Service Dog

As per International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) guidelines, a service dog needs at least 6 months and a minimum of 120 hours of training. It depends on the dog and the required skills.

During this time, the dogs must work 30 hours in public settings. It helps them to extend their abilities and trains them to be responsive and straightforward in various public places.

Though service dogs are costly, most people can only afford a fully trained service dog by fundraising or taking out a loan. 

When Do You Start Training a Service Dog?

Before training their service dog, each owner must create a reasonable schedule. If your dog is a puppy, don’t wait; start training at 6 months to 1 year old. They use a pass/fail minimum threshold. It indicates any service dog can meet the standard, regardless of size or working position.

What is the First Thing You Should Train Your Dog to Do?

When you start your training, the first thing you can do is teach them the primary cues. Such as sit, stay, come, go, leave, and go to potty outside. As a beginner, you can do it yourself. Though, you follow our 7 golden commands also.

A woman is smiling and talking with her pet dog

 

How Many Hours a Day Should You Train Your Dog?

It’s best to keep your training sessions short. For most dogs, short bursts of training are far more suitable. And if you think you must schedule hour-long intervals, you will never find the time. Five minutes per session is more than enough. Anything more will prolong the risks of your dog becoming bored or frustrated.

Why is it Taking So Long to Train my Dog?

Some dogs learn quickly, and other dogs learn a bit slower. Unfortunately, this generally has nothing to do with a dog’s intelligence.

It usually has to do with how stressed the dog becomes. The more stress or anxiety your dog has, the longer it will take to learn.

Is Dog Training Really Worth It?

If you are a new pet owner, you may question whether dog training is worthwhile because it is a matter of time, money, and, most importantly, the availability of a good trainer and training programs. But there are some reasons why it’s essential to train your dog.

So please consider the below points.

  • It provides mental satisfaction by improving your relationship with your dog. Creates a vibe of positive reinforcement. Zazie Todd, PhD is an animal behaviour expert. She is the author of the famous book Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy,  where he introduces positive reinforcement to create a good relationship with your dog. 
  • Training makes your perfect companion. A well-behaved dog is a true partner in your lonely time. Take a dog walking collar for your dog and take a walk. Every 1-4 hours, puppies must visit outside when awake and active. Usually, adult dogs can go without a potty break for 6-8 hours during the day and 8-10 hours overnight.
  • Training Ensures Your Dog’s Safety. Your basic voice commands help her to be well-mannered and safe. It’s only possible through obedience training and dog trainers’ skills also.

Conclusion

So, here you have it!

We hope you are well aware of how long does it take to train a dog? Honestly speaking, throughout your dog’s life, what he does may need to be tweaked, meaning he gets to keep learning. So, this time frame is just the start of this journey.

But always show your love and respect, and firm her regularly. It can help to get an outstanding result. Ultimately, thanks for reading!

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Q: How to Train Your Dog to Stay?

Tell your dog, “Sit,” then wait for her to sit. After that, say, “Stay.” Then, use a clear and confident voice. Always give your dog a treat or reward for their obedience!

Q: Can you train a dog at 8 weeks?

Yes, you can train your puppy as early as 7-8 weeks.

Q: Is it possible to train a dog in two weeks?

Setting a dog to a new routine and teaching him about two weeks. However, at this point, they are just getting ready to use their newly acquired skills in different settings, for example, dog parks and around town.

Q: Can a dog be trained in 10 days?

It can be possible. But you must follow strict potty breaks, meals, playtime, and crate confinement schedule if you can’t come home for certain parts of the day.

Stoarrange for a dog walker or pet sitter to visit your house to take care of the midday break.

Q: What age is the best age to train a dog?

7-8 weeks is the best age.

Q: How long should you train a dog per day?

Train them once or twice a day or 5-15 minutes a couple of days a week interval is sufficient for pet dogs.

Q: How long does it take to teach a dog to do something?

You can follow the training session, which refers to training a dog to do something.

Q: Can a hunting dog be a house dog?

Yes, they can because a hunting dog is intelligent, friendly, and loyal.

Q: What is the Hardest Dog to House Train?

Generally, age can make it harder for your dog to house train. However, it becomes more challenging to start training when puppies enter adolescence.

For this reason, it is essential to begin teaching them as young as possible! At this stage, you can continue your training to modify and strengthen your skills in more public and distracting settings.

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Ricky Kambray

Hey this is Ricky Kambray an award-winning first-aid trainer with over 20 years of healthcare and teaching expertise. Highly certified general nurse regularly appears in the press discussing accident prevention and first aid advice.