length and frequency of training sessions

[kathey.walker2]

We are getting a rescue dog in a month and I have never trained a dog. How long should each session last and how many per day?

Thanks!

Kathey

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hi Kathey.walker2,

Welcome to the forums!

There are really no rules set in stone because there are several variabilities. For instance, the age of the dog (younger dogs have shorter attention spans), the dog's training history (dogs who have never had any training in their lives may be more prone to struggle or get frustrated earlier), the breed of the dog (some breeds may be more biddable), the dog's temperament (a dog who is fearful/skeptic might need more time) and other factors such as the handler's ability in communicating with the dog, the training method used, the environment, the dog/owner bond etc.

 

Generally, it's a good idea to start with smaller sessions (like 5-minute sessions possibly 3 to 4 times a day -based on things going well), and see how they go rather than doing longer ones and risking them becoming too difficult for the dog or tedious. Watch the dog how he does and gauge accordingly. Does he/she seem eager to being trained or is he/she giving signs of struggling? (if so you want to split the exercises in easier steps and make them briefer).

 

Signs of tiring, struggling or getting frustrated to watch for are yawning, scratching, sneezing, licking or looking or moving away and looking for other things to (although this can be als due to a too distracting environment). If you notice any of these signs, end the training on a positive note asking something very simple or just take a break. Make a mental note of this and do all you can to prevent this from happening in the future.

 

Ideally, you want to end a training session before any of these signs develop. It is best to end a session early with the dog wanting to do more rather than later. And remember to always start in a quiet area using high reinforcers (tasty treats) before moving to areas with distractions.

 

Hope this helps!

Keep us posted on what do you end up choosing and how things go.

Best,

Adrienne