Training Frequency - Page 1

What frequency and duration of training sessions are optimal for highest level of retention? Training with operant conditioning and shaping.

Yes, I understand dogs will vary based on age and other factors.

3 times a day for ten minutes

I'm not sure what type of training you are asking about and if that really makes a difference. I don't do IPO or protection, just OB and some agilty right now. I think Duke's suggestion of 3 - 10 minute sessions is good. My 7 year old female usually does an exercise right the very first time, but if I ask her to do it again, she will usually blow it in one way of another.  I tend to  keep our sessions short and not ask her to repeat an exercise she has done right. I don't know if that works for all dogs, but it works for mine.

Three times in three different locations is my rule for testing if my dog "got it", Blitzen. Also, 'first time is free, second time you pay', also applies to training.

To answer the op, it depends. I work till the dog 'gets' what I'm working on. But that all depends on age, how hot it is, what I'm teaching the dog. For me, ten minutes may not be enough time in a session to make headway. I won't quit midway in a session if the dog has not shown me he has grasped what I'm teaching. But generally short seasions are more productive than long tedious ones.