Too Busy to Train Your Dog? This Simple Shift Changes Everything

For many dog owners, finding time to train their dog is one of the biggest challenges. When owners say they can’t find the time to train between classes, what they usually mean is they didn’t have time for formal training sessions. Dogs are always learning, whether we are teaching them or not. When life gets busy with work family, and the holidays, you can still help your dog succeed. You don’t have to set aside huge chunks of time every day to train your dog. Instead, try responding to your dog’s behaviors in real time for noticeable results.

Why Class-Only Training Doesn’t Work

One common scenario that I strive to help my students avoid is class-only training. When you attend a training class with your dog, you’re going to think about training for that entire class. You have your treats and your dog on the other end of the leash. The training is productive, so the dog learns how to focus in class. But what happens when you walk out the door? If you immediately go back to the same routines that are causing unwanted behaviors, your dog learns to listen (only) in class.

Dogs Learn From Every Interaction

Training has to be applied to real life if you want it to be effective outside of training class. Dogs don’t separate training class from real life, but they do respond to their owner’s behavior. This happens at home, too. If your dog is focused when you’ve set aside five minutes to train, but doesn’t respond when you request that focus at other times, then there’s something missing in your training.

The solution not only improves your dog’s behavior but also fits nicely into your time budget. If you don’t have time to train your dog this week, paying attention to your dog’s behavior outside of training sessions can make a real difference.
​
The first step is creating a plan for reminding yourself that your dog is learning through every interaction. Set a reminder on your phone to go off at a time you will likely be around your dog. Hang up a treat pouch next to your dog’s leash or write a note for yourself and tape it somewhere you can’t miss. Whatever it takes, you have to start teaching yourself to interact with your dog in ways that encourage good behavior.

Real-Time Feedback Shapes Behavior Faster

Training isn’t just about giving treats; it’s about giving your dog feedback. Let’s say you want to train your dog not to jump on people. If you forget to guide your dog every time someone walks in the door and your dog jumps all over them, your dog isn’t getting the appropriate feedback. If, instead, you create a habit of being aware of your dog's behavior, you would know to call your dog away from the door and cue him to visit the guest only when he first presents calm behavior.

Leash Walking Sends Clear Signals

Another typical example of miscommunication is leash walking. If you say you don’t want your dog to pull, but you constantly let your dog pull you out the door for your daily walk, your dog’s going to be confused about the rules. Instead, calmly lead your dog to a more appropriate walking area and offer praise when the leash is relaxed.

READ MORE: The Winter Leash Training Guide Every Dog Owner Needs

Sometimes, daily training involves management. When a behavior pays off, it is repeated. Even if it’s not on purpose, if your dog gets praise, attention, food, laughs, or simply finds a behavior rewarding, such as barking, pulling, or jumping, your dog will continue to do those things. When dogs steal food from the counter, for example, they jump up, grab it, and eat it – to the dog, jumping up pays well. One thing that can help young dogs learn not to jump on the counter is to make sure there is nothing to grab when the dog is not supervised. We can’t always be in training mode; sometimes management is key, especially during busy times.

Busy seasons make remembering all of this more complex and, therefore, your dog’s unwanted behaviors more frustrating. You will miss training days, and mistakes will happen, but don’t worry, your dog will still successfully learn when you get back on track. If training feels like a chore, something you only do when you are already tired after a long day, you won’t find it rewarding enough to keep doing. Try practicing with your dog when you have a positive mindset. The rest of the time, it’s about responding to your dog in real time. Reward your dog for their best behavior during play and everyday interactions. When you can, a few short sessions can make a big difference too, but it really should be fun for you and your dog when it’s time to train.

Melissa "MJ" Viera is the owner of MJ's Pet Training Academy in Acushnet.