Tuesday Training Byte: Fitting in training with a tight schedule

Many people come to me with a long list of all the problems they need help with regarding their dog. Sometimes they have had the dog more than a year and it is still not housebroken. Most of it boils down to one thing: the owner is too busy for a dog. I hate to say it, but if a person can't commit to training a few minutes every day and the dog is getting neglected, they would be better off with a "pet rock". I realize this sounds harsh. My husband and I both worked full time and cared for 16 animals (3 horses, 7 dogs, and 6 cats) for several years. It can be done, but it takes commitment. Here is how we did it, and had time enough to train the dogs, compete and win national rankings.

1. First, set your goals and plans for your dog. It can be high goals like earning titles, or small but important goals, like getting the dog housebroken by 5 months of age.

2. Divide the responsibilities as much as possible. My husband had to leave for work and hour and a half before me, so he fed and pottied the dogs in the morning. I pottied the dogs again right before I left for work. I got home as much as 2 hours before my husband, so I would let the dogs out and play with them for awhile. I would get our dinner in the oven and then feed the dogs their evening meal.

3. Make a schedule. Training works best in short sessions done frequently. Make sure that others in your house all use the same commands. I do most of the training, but my husband may watch or help. If we watch a 2 hour movie in the evening, we generally take a short break halfway through that I use for training. In bad weather I train indoors, but mostly train outside. We have a well-lit driveway I use if it is dark at that time. Take a look at where you can spare 10 minutes at least four days each week and write down your schedule for training. I use the white board on the side of my refrigerator. On Saturdays, my husband will train the pup for 20 minutes. This adds up to 1-hour of training per week, but is more effective.

4. Keep it short and fun! You will find that both you and your dog will be excited for training time. I always say to my dog in an upbeat voice, "Are you ready to work?" as I grab a collar and leash. The 10 minutes gives us bonding time together, uninterrupted.

5. Don't send your dog off for board and train. Enroll in a class with a qualified trainer, or enlist the help of a trainer for private lessons if needed, but do the training yourselves.

6. Training your dog is the best gift you can give it. Should anything happen to you, it will be much easier for someone else to take care of your dog or to re-home it in case of death or illness if your dog is trained. The shelters are full of dogs that were surrendered because of behavior problems. Once your dog is trained, it is a pleasure to have around and take places. Happy training!

   

   You can get a weekly training schedule template online. Fill out your training goals and times for the week.