How long will it take to train my dog?
Dog training can be never ending. But it does get easier.
They might know it all but other factors will change that they or you may need help with.
When we have a rescue dog or a dog that finds life in general more difficult or a dog who has a life changing event. Training can be years..
Whenever I teach a new client, possibly with a difficult case, honestly it takes a huge level of commitment from owner in time and dedication to get to a better and happier place with their dogs.
If the end goal is to not be reactive, walk nicely on the lead, be able to be let off and be able to recall. To be trustworthy, reliable and attentive.
And we are starting from a point where each time they step out of the door they are bracing themselves. It is a long road ahead.
How can I help?
I first coach handling skills, patience, how to read their dog and how to make them feel safe.
Then I coach skills and training techniques.
I coach client confidence and reward with good feedback.
The stages and progression of all the above change week by week. Reinforcement timing changes, training game stages change, what the dog can do changes, the dogs’ confidence will change!!
We set a good base line and then add to it.
They must be able to do stage 1, then 2, then 3, then 4, then 5. As humans we can be impatient, and we expect can stage 1 to 6 to happen in weeks, but it can take months or even years!
Our execution of training will become automated, and our dogs will change as we find our flow.
Key Tips
*Frustration comes from both ends of the lead if we are not clear on what we can do.
*One thing you do need is a good run at it. Starting and stopping will get you slow progress and may also mean you have to start from the beginning. Be prepared, make the time, work out how to incorporate it into your day.
*Be patient and don’t expect one session to fix your dog.
*Sometimes long-term training is what you need. But if that investment helps you get to have a smoother 10 years ahead with your dog, then can you really put a price on that?
So how long does it take? It could take weeks, or it could take months to years depending on what your starting point is. But if you don’t try it will not happen.
