How long does it take to train a dog.
- poochesperfect
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Training is not like it is on TV, most programmes are heavily edited to provide entertainment.
Effective training take weeks of patience and consistency.
Basic obedience - 4 – 6 weeks, for a dog to achieve some understanding.
Results and time scales can depend on each individual.
Behaviour problems - 3 – 12 months, to expect to see some improvement.
Depends on complexity and severity.
Understanding how dogs learns is the first step.
How dogs learn.
Dogs, like humans, learn through repetition and association, but they cannot reason, think logically or understand consequences quite like us.
Classical conditioning
This is learning through association to a stimulus, which in most cases is subconscious.
For example, a dog displaying aggressive behaviour, or being reactive is often acting out of fear, which can be associated with past experiences, a health condition or pain and can be deeply rooted in the subconscious.
Repetitive positive association, known as counter conditioning, to a previous negative can reflect in a change of behaviour:
Helping dogs that show aggressive or reactive behaviour will require multi faceted support and training. Click on link below for more information:
Operant conditioning.
This is learning through a conscious action due to an outcome.
For example, a dog jumping up is generally attention seeking, if that attention is given under the right circumstances the dog is more likely to consciously repeat it.
SeanWill,Ph.D.&MaasaNishimuta,M.S. ConstructionalApproachtoAnimalWelfareandTraining(CAAWT) CAAWT.com
Some people regard physical or verbal punishment as a deterrent to unwanted behaviour, but effective 'punishment' has to be relatable, understandable and effective for a dog.
Punishment – not giving the dog what it wants - attention: ignoring jumping up.
Positive outcome – giving the dog what it wants - attention: when all feet are on the floor, this results in the dog consciously choosing the new behaviour.
Observational/imitation/social learning
It is believed that dogs, especially puppies, can learn through watching and copying the behaviour of others.
Therefore choosing how, where and who they socialise with can have a big influence.
This type of learning is more than a dog meeting other dogs and people, it is vital to include other animals, environments (such as car rides & vets), sights and sounds (such as fireworks).
It is best practised during critical development period of 4-16 weeks, to help build confidence and prevent fear, anxiety or aggression. Older dogs will likely require supported desensitisation plans.
One-time learning
Sometimes just one single experience, especially if it is overwhelming for the dog, can be enough to influence future behaviour.
Influences to learning and behaviour.
There can be many influences involved for each individual dog:
Breed.
Certain drives and behaviours are influenced by breed, having an understanding of these will allow you to select an optimum positive reinforcer for wanted behaviour, such as food treats for Labradors and Doodles, play rewards for Terriers and Spaniels, praise/petting rewards for companion breeds.
It can also help you manage certain inbred behaviours, which can be seen as troublesome:
Labradors and Doodles come from a retrieval heritage = Playing fetch games and teaching them to drop items, will use up energy and avoid resource guarding.
Terriers often dig = provide a specific area to manage behaviour and to avoid destructive behaviour.
Spaniels have high energy = get involved in suitable dog 'sports', such as agility to avoid compulsive or obsessive behaviours.
Companion breeds will need support to be happy alone to avoid separation anxiety linked behaviour.
Utilising every dogs scenting abilities will help overall with training and behaviour, click on link below for more information:
History.
Some dogs can be influenced by their past, for example a rescue dog, or poorly socialised dog, may have had little or negative experiences, which can cause a
development of fears or phobias, making them more prone to reactive behaviour.
Environment.
Internal or external, such as health/pain issues, relationship with guardian/trainer, stress levels, weather conditions, unmet needs, diet, rest or sleep quality. These can all affect a dogs learning ability.
Age.
There are scientific studies that show that younger dogs, 2-6 years old learn a task faster than an older dog, 8+ years.
All dogs are capable of learning new behaviour it is just about having consideration of the factors listed above.
The road to success.
Training or changing a dog’s behaviour can be a challenge and requires an understanding of your dog, patient perseverance, alongside calm, committed consistency. And it rarely goes to plan!
Methods.
Rewarding good or wanted behavior with treats, praise, or play will encourage your dog to repeat the desired actions.
Avoiding punishment-based methods, or using aversive devices, such as slip leads, check chains, prong collars or vibration/electric collars.
All of these devices may physically control your dog, but do not teach them the wanted behaviour and can increase fear and anxiety, which can lead to more serious problems:
‘…negative reinforcement/positive punishment (e.g., owners shouting at their dog or using training equipment that is unpleasant for dogs, rather than using reward-based methods such as praise and treats) not only negatively impacts animal welfare, but is often poorly effective, and in some cases, can even result in new problem behaviours in dogs due to the fear and anxiety it can cause.’
Quote from RVC - Royal Veterinary College.*
Timing.
As mentioned earlier, dogs learn through association, so rewards for wanted action or behaviour need to be given promptly, ideally within two seconds of the desired behaviour, to maximise their effectiveness.
Repetition.
Repetition strengthens association – action=reward, your dog will need a few short, fun sessions a week to help learning become well established.
Consistency.
This is a vital component, especially if there are multiple people involved in the dog’s life.
This may include visitors, walkers, day care, if anyone lets a pet jump up for a cuddle even once, for example, it can undo weeks of training, so it's important to make sure everyone respects your rules.
Language.
Dogs do not comprehend words by themselves, so commands should consist of one or two syllables, delivered clearly in a soft and encouraging tone, you can add hand signals too.
Commitment.
Training or behaviour management is a continuous process that requires ongoing commitment to reinforce the wanted behaviour, and will likely be required all through your dogs life. There may also be times that require adjustment, as your dogs needs change.
For tips or basic guidance on training or behaviour please see blogs - https://www.politepoochesessex.co.uk/blog
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