A Puppy Jumping While Being Trained

How Long Should a Dog Training Course Be?

September 28, 2022
By Jason Trainer

How Much Time Does It Take to Train a Dog?

Owning a dog is a lifetime commitment and so is their training. Although a course may be a specific period, you need to understand that good behaviour comes from consistency and repetition. Training never ends. Nonetheless, building a proper foundation and correcting behavioural issues, assisted by a professional, requires time. If you fail to provide enough time for your dog’s training, unwanted behaviours could develop, and you will be worse off than when you started.

Choosing the Right Dog Training Course for Your Needs

Depending on your needs, the length of training required could change. You may have a dog that has a calm demeanour, and you’re happy with them following basic commands. On the other hand, you may have a dog with serious anxiety that causes them to lash out. To understand the best options for your dog and how much time you will need to devote to a training course you should consider the below.

Type of Courses / Classes / Training

You may be wondering whether group classes, private training, or board and train are best for you and your dog. At iTK9 we believe Board & Train programs are the most efficient and effective training programs as they allow your dog to be immersed in a structured environment with access to a professional trainer 24/7. Our clients’ dogs are trained across a multitude of environments and exposed to different arousing stimulation which mirrors real-world scenarios. Board & Train programs allow for comprehensive training over a shorter period and for a more tailored experience.

Program Lengths and What to Expect

Every professional program is different as is every dog and their owner. Your expectations should be managed with the knowledge that you will get out of training whatever you put into it. When your dog comes home from one of our programs, the training does not stop. As stated above, owning a dog is a lifetime commitment. Below are our program cards with an outline of what you can expect your dog to learn and how long it will take. We cannot speak on behalf of any other professional trainers or dog training businesses.

2 Week Intensive Program

On-Leash 
Sit & Sit Stay
Down & Down Stay
Place
Structured Walk
Thresholds
Off-Leash Recall

Behaviour Issues

Jumping on Guests
Counter Surfing
Barking
Leash Pulling
Leash Reactivity
Doorbell Reactivity
This program does not focus on resource guarding.

4 Week Puppy Program

On-Leash
Sit
Down
Stay
Place
Recall
Heel
Structured Walk
Thresholds

Behaviour Issues

Resource Guarding
Leash Reactivity
Jumping
Counter-Surfing
Doorbell Reactivity
Barking
Mouthing

4 Week Behaviour Modification

On-Leash 
Sit
Down
Recall
Heel
Structured Walk
Thresholds
Off-Leash Recall
Treadmill Training

Behaviour Issues

Major Leash Reactivity/Leash Frustration
Jumping
Counter-Surfing
Doorbell Reactivity
Barking
Mouthing
Severe Anxiety & Nervousness
SAFETY PROTOCOL
If your dog bites, you will work through muzzle conditioning BEFORE you drop off your dog.

4 Week Off-Leash

Available to Dogs With No Behavioural Challenges
Sit & Sit Stay
Down & Down Stay
Off Leash Recall
Heel
Thresholds
Recall

2 Week Refresher

Previous Attendees
This program is for dogs who have previously attended a board and train program and need to get back on track. We will improve on any and all behaviour or commands that were taught but have regressed since your dog has been home.

The iTK9 Way

Once again, training never ends. This is why we provide continuing education and support after the completion of our programs. From take-home assignments, digital resources, and access to our community to help with any questions you might have. With iTK9 we want to make sure that each one of our clients has a success story. If you are considering your dog training options, we encourage you to reach out.

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