Training Frequency and Duration

[ziggy]

I recently got a lab pup and am undertaking training him on my own. I think we're coming along alright so far, he's got sit and here down and loves to fetch. As the dog gets older and progresses, I'm wondering how often, you guys who did it yourself, trained. The "experts" in the books all differ from a few minutes a day, every day, to a couple times a week with longer sessions. For now, the pup's attention span is short so we keep it short, but I do try to do something with him every day.

I had searched the forums already and couldn't find a topic about this, so what say ye experts?

[Duckman#1]

15-30 mins a day 5 days a week. They need a day off too. If the pup starts to regress go with shorter sessions and fewer days.

[Mobetter]

I work with pups every day until about 6 months. One formal session a day and a number of short (two to five minutes) informal sessions.

Formal sessions are outside, no distractions and I start with basic OB and progress to new concepts or reinforce problem areas. 20-30 minutes tops with happy bumper breaks.

Informals are sit/stay/down/here/kennel for treats around the house. Only condition is once a known command is given, the correct action must follow.

[mudminnow]

short, 3 minutes or less sessions to start out once at most twice a day, seriously keep a timer. It doesn't have to be everyday either. Short is key, and i found it to work great with mine to put them in their crate or some quiet place for an hour or so after. If a dog can go longer thats fine, but at any sign of boredom, end on a positive note and stop the session.Also only train one thing per session.

I am no expert but these things helped me alot

[FEETDOWN]

15-30 mins a day 5 days a week. They need a day off too. If the pup starts to regress go with shorter sessions and fewer days.

This

[duckduckdog]

I'm gonna go against the grain here - and I'm no pro... but if I'm with my pup, we are training. He may not know it, but he's being trained.

[jgdavis123]

All day. A dog that is required to sit during 15 minute training sessions outside, but can get away with ignoring you the rest of the day in the house is useless. Short sessions are great but if you dont enforce the rules taught in the session then you are just wasting time.

[QuackerSmacker75]

15-30 mins a day 5 days a week. They need a day off too. If the pup starts to regress go with shorter sessions and fewer days.

This ^^^^^

[Birddawg]

How many of you train twice a day?

[FEETDOWN]

I do when I have the time, which aint often. When I do, Ill usually do drill work in the am and come back that afternoon with a setup to test whatever the drill was.

[803]

How many of you train twice a day?

I train 3 times per week twice a day with usually 20 minute session and one shorter session. the other days are informal retrieving/ playing but even then the obedience standards are enforced.

[timwill]

Always leave them wanting more.