Can a Dog be Trained in 2 Weeks

Is 2 Weeks Enough Time to Train Your Dog?

2 weeks can be enough time to train your dog. However, it depends on your goals. Will your dog be able to do agility competitions from just 2 weeks of training, probably not. Will they be able to learn the basics and build a strong foundation? Yes, most dogs will be able to get the basics down. However, there are many factors that come into play. Perhaps your dog is older and has spent years being unknowingly conditioned towards unwanted behaviour. If this is the case, they may need longer.

Below we will go into some variables which can help you decide if your dog can be trained in 2 weeks. Understand though, training never really stops. Every interaction you have with your dog is a learning experience. To get a better understanding of how long your dog needs to be trained, you should reach out to a professional.

A Dog’s Limits

Every dog is different and has their own limits. You need to learn where those limits are and work within them. Understanding your dog’s body language is a key element in this process. Watch your dog carefully and how they react to different stimuli. Once you can read their body language, you should start to better understand their unique limitations.

Time to Adjust

Depending on the type of training you opt for you will most likely be switching up your dog’s routine and environment. This can be a shock and your dog will need time to adjust. During this adjustment period, your dog may not be as receptive to training. With that in mind, the first day or 2 could be difficult. 

Attention Span

Dog’s attention spans are limited. Training sessions should be kept short (2 - 15 minutes) with just 3 – 5 sessions per day. That said, always be training and use every interaction as an opportunity to reinforce positive behaviour.

Ongoing Support

2 weeks can be enough for your dog to understand basic commands and adjust minor behavioural challenges. However, their new behaviours and obedience will not stick if you do not continue to reinforce the desired behaviour. It’s up to you to continue to guide your dog. If you hired a professional, we suggest asking your trainer for take-home material and training sessions you can do beyond your initial training.

What Can You Expect Your Dog to Learn in 2 Weeks?

We can only speak to what we offer our clients as a potential 2-week program. That said, we can achieve more than your average dog owner as we have been doing this for years and we have built proper procedures and structures to allow your dog to thrive. So, the below should be the minimum of what you will accept from a trained professional.

Commands

• Sit
• Stay
• Place
• Structured Walks
• Threshold
• Recall

Behaviour

• Jumping Up
• Counter Surfing
• Barking
• Leash Pulling
• Leash Reactivity
• Doorbell Reactivity

How to Be Efficient with Your Time

Operant Conditioning

We do not believe all positive dog training to be ideal. Essentially, your dog needs to be corrected when negative behaviour occurs. Inhumane punishment should not be tolerated, and correction tools should only be used by trained individuals. Operant Conditioning is a methodology which implores a balanced approach to training. Utilizing 4 quadrants – negative reinforcement, negative punishment, positive punishment, and positive reinforcement. If you want to be successful in a shorter period, operant conditioning is the dog training methodology to use.

Board & Train Dog Programs

Board & Train is the most effective training method. In-person training can work, if the organization you’re working with knows what they are doing and has implemented an effective program. However, as mentioned, Board & Train is the most effective. It allows the trainers access to your dog 24/7 and takes them away from any reinforcement and environment  which may be aiding bad behaviour. Training can occur in multiple environments and along side other dogs and triggers to allow for better socialization and progress. If you want the most out of your 2 weeks, we suggest Board & Train over any other training program.

The iTK9 Way

We have been doing this for years and have developed strong programs which put your clients’ dog’s emotional well being first. We are fully committed to helping owners beyond the standard training sessions with take-home material and continued education. If you are looking for a 2-week program, we encourage you to reach out to discuss if your dog is a good fit for our 2 Week Intensive Program.