There are many factors to considered when answering the question, "How long will it take to train my dog?" The biggest factor is you.
It also depends on:
- The Behavior - Some behaviors are easier to put on command than others. All dogs lie down. Not every dog voluntarily rolls over. The behavior matters.
- The Breed - Some breeds have a natural ability to perform certain behavior over others. For example, Basset Hounds and Beagle are great sniffers so they’re really good at nose work. On the other hand, it's hard for a hound dog to ignore environmental stimuli when training outside. A Greyhound can run up to 45 mph, but they don't like to SIT so trying to get a Greyhound to SIT for any length of time may not be reasonable. The breed matters.
- Training Levels - Your dog’s learning and development process is series of graduated accomplishments through the learning phases and each phase has multiple levels. Your dog has to go through each level for every behavior he learns. His success depends on your ability to help him advance through each level of each phase for every behavior he learns. Training levels matter.
- Training Methods - While there is no predetermined limit on how much time your dog will spend on each level, I can say with confidence that when your dog is learning MEAL MANNERS, he will spend very little time in the acquisition phase. In fact, he'll jump from GET THE BEHAVIOR to DURATION in just two or three sessions. On the other hand, let's say you decide to put LIP LICKING on command. For this behavior, your dog will spend days or weeks in the acquisition phase. Why the big difference? Because MEAL MANNERS is taught using the SHAPING method and LIP LICKING is taught using the CAPTURE method. The method matters.
- Consistency - When a 5-minute training session is over, you can't let your dog do the opposite of what you just trained him on. For example, once you start teaching your dog to SIT until he is released (duration), you can't let him jump up after one second when you tell him SIT an hour later. (Tip: When you tell him SIT, and he hasn't fully learned DURATION, all you have to do is release him before he gets up.) Your consistency matters.