How Long Does It Take To Train A Dog?

I get asked this question (or variations of it) almost every week. I have a default response but, on reflection, it probably isn't the most useful way to answer the question. Here is my default response and two alternatives that may be less accurate but probably more useful.

"You never stop training"

This is the absolute truth about dog training; it never ends. You train your dog, whether knowingly or otherwise, from the first day you have it until the last. This is why having a dog is a significant commitment in so many ways. However, that doesn't mean that every day is the same, and there are certainly periods of a dog's life where training is more important or more challenging than others. So, although this answer is factual, it isn't necessarily useful.

"It can be done in 4 months"

Assuming you get your dog when they are 8 weeks old, it is entirely possible to teach them everything they need to know for a good life by the time they are 6 months old, including recall, loose lead walking and all other core obedience work. This requires a strong focus and discipline from the owner and certain breeds are more receptive to learning quickly than others, but it can be done. It is a steep trajectory for sure, but very possible.

"You are looking at about 2 years"

Even if you have taught your dog all the key commands by the time he's 6 months old, it's very unlikely that the dog will have been tested in all the environments and situations that they will encounter in their lifetime. Have you tried your heel walking on a hiking path or tested your recall at the beach? After 2 years a dog can have all the core training they will need, but also the experience of applying this in various environments and different conditions.