Training for Busy Dog Owners: Small Habits That Make a Big Difference

Training isn’t just about having a well-mannered pup. Training also provides consistent expectations that help our furry friends feel confident, comfortable, and safe in a variety of settings. However, the time and patience that proper training requires don’t always seem to fit into our busy schedules. 

We encourage you to make even a little room in your jam-packed day to work with your dog on basic or advanced training—depending on your goals, lifestyle, and pet’s needs. Try these quick, small habits to make a difference in your doggo’s ongoing training and mental enrichment.

3 Small Dog Training Habits for Busy Owners

1. Micro-Training

Keep things short and sweet with micro-training sessions. Similar to the microlearning approach for humans, micro-training moments can fit into any schedule and ensure your pooch stays focused throughout the entire training period.

Micro-training can be several 5-minute sessions throughout the day or integrating your training into routine, daily tasks (keep reading…).

2. Multitask Training

Build your dog training routine into daily walks, playtime, or other routine activities. Simply asking your dog to sit before going outside or waiting at their food bowl counts as training. 

Try a short session after a walk or playtime to see how your pup responds. Typically, once their exercise needs are met, most dogs are calmer and more focused for training sessions.

3. Hire a Pro

Depending on your work and travel schedule, finding time to dedicate to training your dog can be difficult. So, if that’s the case, there’s nothing wrong with asking for help from a professional! Our neighbors at Bayside Bed & Biscuit offer training services that are a great option for the busiest of dog owners.

No matter the breed or what your schedule looks like, proper training is essential for keeping man’s best friend happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated. If you have questions about what kind of training would best suit your dog or just need a few tips for getting started, the Bayside staff is always here to help.