How often do you......

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Posted : 3/5/2006 12:35:39 AM

With me training is a way of life. For example, let's say I need to go outside to the barn to feed my horse. The dog that comes with me might do some heeling or polite leash walking on the way out there, or I might ask her to "wait" while I fill a water bucket. She might have to "go in" to the stall, but "leave it" if she spies a nice, juicy road apple.
I might set aside 5 or 10 minutes to teach a new behavior, but once it's learned, it becomes part of the daily repertoire.

Danny

Posted : 3/5/2006 1:12:44 AM

Hello there [

]

I would say it depends mostly on what your goal is. If you simply have a pet of which nothing more is expected than basic obedience, then there is not much to train after those things are learned. The upkeep of those simple commands can be easily obtained during daily routines.

If however you want to either title the dog in some sport, or if you want to intensify your relation with your dog, then regular training sessions are a must. My working dogs are trained once a day for 30 mins per dog, and once for about 15 mins per dog, with additional short sequences as for instance prior to their two daily meals. Those times do not include playtime and exercise.

jetty

Posted : 3/6/2006 11:56:37 PM

ORIGINAL: spiritdogs
With me training is a way of life. I might set aside 5 or 10 minutes to teach a new behavior, but once it's learned, it becomes part of the daily repertoire.

You took the words right out of my mouth Anne! Dodger and I are constantly training, randomly throughout the day.

I used to set aside half an hour a day to practice but I find that incorpoarting commands into everyday routines it best. Dodger works for his dinner - I can't remember the last time I just put down his bowl!