WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE'S JUST "NOT ENOUGH TIME" FOR TRAINING...

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I was reading through some of the posts on the DK Educators group this morning, and I realized that some of our discussions haven't always reflected the significant time constraints that many of our group members are dealing with every day.  I worked full time for 37 years while raising three kids, and I do remember how difficult it was to even get the basics of everyday life done...and many times NONE of them got done well.  I also remember how guilty I felt about what I "wasn't doing".  I've been retired for the past couple of years, and the kids are grown (for the most part), so things in my life have really settled down.  I have lots of time for training Doodles, but I DO recognize that isn't the case with most of us.  I really hope that all my "training enthusiasm" hasn't made others feel badly.  I had four other dogs over my work career, and they only got the "basics" of training.  They could sit, stay (usually), and loose leash walk (without significant distractions), but that was it.  There just wasn't time for any more than that.  I would feel just horrible if I thought that all this talk about training plans and daily training sessions, made others feel like they were failing their Doodles in any way.  So, maybe we need to also keep a focus on what can we do when we want to participate in an assignment but only have 15 or 20 minutes a day to work on it...or maybe we can only train on weekends.  Are there any "quick exercises" that will improve the dog's behavior?  What can someone do to participate in the "Heeling/Walking" assignment if they only have a limited time to give to training?  I'd love some thoughts on this.  When I started this group I wanted it to be really inclusive with all judgment suspended.  I really hope that's the case.  Please feel free to comment here is you feel this is not happening and share some thoughts on how you're managing to do some training even with a hectic schedule.

[Becca & Lucy]

I think this is a great topic! I know I have a young pup but I am trying to do all the training I can before she's a BIG pup! 

I would love to go as far as I can go with her. Her spirit is just amazing and the potential is there! 

 

I have 2 kiddos (3 & 5) and a hubby! Life can get a little wild :)

 

If Lucy is being naughty or what I call just looking for trouble bc she is bored I play ball in the house. (If weather is bad or its too late to go out) I will try to fake her out and roll the ball FAST and she will go after it like a wild child! 

 

I also do "mental workouts" with her. Just a minute ago she was egging on my 3 yr old to go nuts in the house. 

I took out some treats and we worked on her commands that she has mastered so far. (Sit, down, shake, roll over, give me 5, give me 10, return and stay) That alone will refocus her. 

 

If all else fails... whip out the kong and fill it up! :) 

[Adina P]

I don't have a lot of time either. Between part time work and a 1 year old...the only training time I have (for a full training session) is during Natalie's afternoon nap when Clark can continue working at home while I go out with Boca. Some days I need Natalie's nap time to nap myself. Other days I need to get housework done. Most of the time I can use it for training. But being only able to put in a full session at a select time is tough during the week. However if it is a choice between playing ball or going on a casual walk or other dog time that takes more than 5 min...I will choose training. My suggestion is look at ALL the time you spend with your dog in a day and see if you can swap games for training or walks for training or consolidate a few things into training time. And depending on the training method and dog even a 5 min practice session can help! For me that doesn't work because I forget to work in a short time...I have to actually carve out 20-40 min or it doesn't get done....too hard to switch focus, get leash, collar up, etc. I just forget.

[Adina P]

I take that back...I have actually squeezed in less than 20 min lately...but it still ends up being during Natalie's nap.  And it's still easy for me to forget to do something instead of nothing if the something is very brief.

[Jamie Petro]

Jane, I really appreciated your post. I work full time, try to squeeze in exercise classes a few times a week, both dogs have to be walked every night, cook, etc, etc, etc...I read the posts everyday, and I think "I'm not doing enough!". I've just got to do the training that I am able to do and celebrate the accomplishments that we make.

[Adina P]

Never feel bad because so-and-so is doing 'more' than you.  You only need to do what it takes to meet your and your doodle's needs.  If she isn't doing things to harm herself or others and you are happy with the status quo, there's no reason for feeling bad.  You can always practice some things on their walks.  Every few blocks stop and do some sit stays or down stays or recalls on leash.

[BG and Gavin]

Good post Jane.  I work full time, plus I have a side job and my hours of work right now do not allow for me to take the class I want with Gavin.  After reading all of the posts on heeling and proper positions, lead off foot, placement when they sit, etc.  I have felt a bit lost.  We did two classes with Gavin and a puppy class when he was under 9 months old and I just don’t remember/don’t think we were taught all of this stuff.  I think the focus was more on house manners.  But, having said that, in many respects Gavin has been getting tons of training.  In fact his behaviour at home is above reproach and I would like to think I had something to do with this.  A lot of our training has come by way of real life situations.  I need him to stay outside of the bedroom so I don’t trip on him while making the bed.  Voila a sit stay.  He steals socks so cannot be trusted in the laundry room.  Voila boundary training.  We play hide and seek for fun in the house.  Voila recall training.  When he comes in with wet feet I need him to stay on the towel until he dries.  Voila “go to your place.”  Gavin needs his exercise (and so do we) and that’s why we walk him 5 miles a day and as a result he doesn’t destroy the house when we are away and doesn’t need to be crated.  Anyways sorry for the ramble, but I have been thinking about this for a while.  I long for the day that we can do agility or another structured class.  Hopefully soon.  Again thanks for this discussion Jane, Iike I said I was feeling a bit lost J

[Carol]

Jane thanks so much for your post! I definitely do what I can but struggle with wanting to do more and feel guilty (just because I'm an overachiever) when I miss out on a good days of training because of my travel schedule (and I often travel for weeks at a time). Manny is actually a great dog and my trainer tells me he is doing great and is ready of other things which always makes me feel great!  I like the idea of the 15 to 20 minute "quick exercises" and the ideas of "modified" assignments for the time limited. Obviously when I'm away I can't do much there but ideas on "getting him back on track" would be helpful. Thanks for being so thoughtful on this point and reaching out!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Jane, you are so wonderful to realize that what you meant to be a positive thing could be misconstrued by some. Seriously though I think your warmth and kindness shines through. You are out there letting us know what we can do if we have the time....in some of us it's probably more than some and less than others.

I might add that is does invoke jealousy in me ;- ) cause I want to retire in the worst way - LOL.

I will keep looking forward to checking in to your discussions just to see if there is something "my doodle family" can manage.

Thanks for all you do!

[Carol]

Thanks for adding "you are out there letting us know what we can do if we have the time."  That is so true Jane! I learn so much from you and others who are doing such great work with their doodles!  Yes, please keep sharing what you are doing as well because it definitely inspires me and has improved my work with Manny!

[Andrea Balanzategui]

I really appreciated this post - what a wonderful group of people you doodle-lovers are!  I admit, I did become a bit overwhelmed by all of the recent discussion re: heeling :)  I don't want to discourage those of you who have the time and desire to really go for this intensive training, b/c it does inspire me to keep pushing myself to go the next step with Charlie.  but, i also LOVE the idea of some quick exercises that would help us do little things that could make a big difference.  I don't have any to submit (yet - will keep thinking) but will definitely be cheking back to see what others recommend.  thanks!

[Carol]

Andrea I will share too when I put some thought to it!

[Carol]

I just came across this little article that is so appropriate for this discussion.