So, you’ve got a dog and you want them to be more of a well-behaved companion and less of a chaos machine. Great news! Dog training comes in different flavors, just like ice cream (but with fewer tummy troubles). Before you dive in, let’s break down your options, because not all training is created equal.
1. Puppy Preschool: The Kindergarten of Dog Training
For: Puppies (6 weeks - 5 months old)
Duration: 6-8 weeks
What They Learn:
🐾 How to socialize (AKA how to stop being scared of literally everything)
🐾 Basic commands: sit, stay, come
🐾 That humans don’t actually enjoy having their fingers chewed off
Think of this as puppy etiquette school—like charm school, but with more drool.
2. Basic Dog Training: For Dogs Who Need a Life Coach
For: Dogs 5+ months old
Duration: 8-10 weeks
What They Learn:
🐾 Walking politely on a leash (instead of dragging you down the street)
🐾 Sitting and staying like they actually mean it
🐾 The fine art of "heeling" (a fancy way of saying “walk nicely beside me, please”)
This is the "My dog is adorable, but a menace" stage. If your pup is still operating like a lawless tornado, this is your go-to class.
3. Intermediate Dog Training: Leveling Up
For: Dogs who’ve completed basic training
Duration: 8-10 weeks
What They Learn:
🐾 Staying in place for longer (yes, patience is a thing they can develop)
🐾 Following commands from people other than their favorite human
🐾 Becoming a more respectable citizen of the dog world
This is where you start fine-tuning your dog's manners—like upgrading them from “enthusiastic gremlin” to “semi-civilized companion.”
4. Advanced Dog Training: Jedi Master Level
For: Dogs who’ve completed intermediate training
Duration: 8-10 weeks
What They Learn:
🐾 Sitting and staying even when you’re out of sight (yes, it’s possible)
🐾 Walking beside you WITHOUT a leash (goodbye, leash burns!)
🐾 Prepping for the Canine Good Citizen test
At this point, your dog is almost ready for a graduation cap. Just one more level to go...
5. The Canine Good Citizen Test: The Ivy League of Dog Training
For: Dogs who’ve completed all previous courses
Duration: However long it takes to pass the test
What They Learn:
🐾 The 10 essential skills to be officially declared a "Good Dog"
🐾 How to behave like a respectable member of society
🐾 The secret to making their humans incredibly proud
Passing this test is a big deal. It’s like a dog diploma—except instead of a piece of paper, your reward is a pet who actually listens.
So, What’s Next?
Decide which level of training suits your pup, and get started! Not sure? Ask a local dog trainer—many offer free consultations. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll have a dog who listens instead of launching themselves at unsuspecting houseguests.
Good luck, and may your training sessions be filled with patience… and plenty of treats. 🍖
For a top Dog Trick Training Ebook....
