How Much Training Is Required for Your Dog?

Fewer Sessions is More Effective

A recent study has shown that Beagles who were trained 5 times a week needed more teaching sessions than the dogs that were given only 1 training session per week. This study divided the dogs in two different groups where one group was given training for 5 times a week while the other group was trained for only one time.

The results showed that the dogs, which were given only one teaching session per week, were trained in much lesser training period than the other group. It should be remembered that the entire teaching period of the dogs, with one training session were longer due to the difference in number of training sessions between the two groups.

Keep the Sessions Short

Like the number of teaching sessions, the duration of training sessions also needs to be short. Experts suggest that each session should not exceed the limit of 15 minutes.

If the puppy is young then it can get distracted quite easily. They tend to have shorter attention span. So, you need to provide adequate training during that time period only. If the session is too long, eventually they will get bored and distracted. That will defeat the entire purpose of the training.

Train Less in a Session

Don't try to cover too much in one session. Sticking to one particular thing is usually wise because then your dog will learn to follow the orders in proper manner.

Mixing too many instructions might also confuse your puppy or dog. Let it expertise in one command first and then jump on to the other commands, gradually. In this way, through short and effective sessions you can better train your dog to be obedient.

Lessen the Distraction

Your dog's attention should be at its peak when you are training it a new command. So, choose a place which is quite and free from any sort of distractions. This will help your dog to listen to your carefully and follow accordingly.

Choosing a place with several distractions might not allow it to settle down properly. Your dog needs to be calmed down before you decide to start teaching something new.

End it Well

A short training session should be ended appropriately on a positive note. Make sure that your dog understands that it has done well or not, during that session. Giving it a reward at the end often works out well.

The dog also looks forward to achieve it the next time you start the training. In this way your pet also understands the importance of the training. It will get motivated to carry on with the behaviour later on even after the end of the training sessions.

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