The ideal training duration and frequency for a puppy depend on factors like the puppy’s age, attention span, and the specific training goals. Here are some general guidelines:
Duration: For young puppies (8-12 weeks old), training sessions should be very short, around 1-5 minutes per training session. As they grow older (3-6 months), you can gradually increase the duration to 10-15 minutes per session.
Frequency: Aim for several short training sessions throughout the day rather than one long session. For young puppies, 3-5+ sessions spread throughout the day are most effective.
Consistency: Ensure all members of the house are following the same rules.
Focus on Quality: It’s important to prioritise quality over quantity. Keep training sessions engaging, positive, and rewarding for your puppy. End on a positive note, even if it means stopping a session earlier than planned.
Incorporate Training into Daily Life: You can integrate training into daily activities like asking your puppy for a sit before going outside.
Break Down Complex Commands: Teach complex behaviours in stages. For example, break down the “roll over” command into smaller steps like “lie down,” then “turn your head,” and finally “roll over.”
Observe and Adapt:Pay attention to your puppy’s responses and adjust your training approach accordingly. If a particular method isn’t working, try a different one. Learning isn’t linear. Some days will be better than others.
Fun: Training should be kept fun, for both you and your puppy. Puppies learn best when they are having fun and you will be more motivated to train your puppy.