A daily dog training routine that fits real life
Five minutes, two or three times a day, woven into what you already do. Here's what that looks like.
By Pawfessor Editorial TeamPublished 1 min read
The best training schedule is one you’ll actually keep. For most dogs, that means two or three five minute sessions a day, plus small moments of practice built into everyday life.
How long should a session be?
About five minutes, or 10 to 15 repetitions. Young puppies: one to two minutes. Stop while your dog is still keen. Research on dogs learning a new task found that more spaced training led to learning in fewer sessions: rest matters.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to train every day or a few times a week?
Short, regular sessions work well. Research suggests spacing and rest help learning, so a few focused minutes beat long daily marathons.
What time of day is best for training?
Before meals, when your dog is a little hungry and not tired. Avoid right after big exercise or late in the evening for puppies.
Sources and further reading
- Meyer, I., and Ladewig, J. (2008). The relationship between number of training sessions per week and learning in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 111(3–4), 311–320.
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