The Long-Term Commitment

Introduction

You’ve completed the six-week puppy training course, your pup can sit (most of the time), and you might be tempted to think, “We’ve made it! The hard part is done.” But hold your horses—or rather, your hounds—because training your pup is only just getting started. Just like we don’t send our kids off to kindergarten and say, “That’s enough education for a lifetime,” our pups need years of investment to become well-mannered members of the family. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean endless homework, but it does mean ongoing practice, patience, and a bit of a reality check. Let’s dive into why training is a long-term commitment and why that high-energy gundog may not be the family fit you hoped for.

1. Why We Need to Keep Training

Training a puppy is a lot like raising a child—minus the packed lunches and school runs. You wouldn’t expect your child to learn everything they need to know in six weeks, right? It’s the same with your dog. Puppies go through different developmental stages, and just like children, they’re constantly learning, even when you think training time is over.

When your pup enters adolescence (yes, dogs have a teenage phase!), their personality can shift. They might suddenly “forget” how to do things they’ve been doing perfectly well, like recall or staying calm when someone comes to the door. Regular training helps reinforce good behaviours and ensures that those “puppy manners” don’t disappear when they start feeling rebellious. Plus, continued training is essential for their mental stimulation, which keeps your pup happy and helps to prevent behavioural issues down the road.

Recap: Just like kids, puppies need ongoing learning to develop good habits and mature into balanced adults. A six-week course is just the beginning of a much longer journey.

 2. Common Reasons Why Owners Stop Training

It’s completely understandable why many owners take a break after that initial course. Life is busy, especially if you’re managing children, a household, and a dog all at once. Sometimes the idea of finding extra time for ongoing training feels overwhelming, and it’s easy to think, “The basics are enough.”

Another common misconception is that once the pup can “sit” and “stay,” they’re fully trained. But, unfortunately, dog training isn’t like riding a bike—it’s not something they “just know” forever. If you don’t keep practising, they might start to forget their cues, or worse, develop habits you’re not so fond of (hello, chewing shoes!). Many owners also struggle with the fact that results don’t always come quickly. Puppies (and kids!) don’t always get it right the first time, and setbacks are a normal part of the process.

Recap: It’s easy to feel like the basics are enough, but ongoing training prevents those hard-earned lessons from fading and helps avoid behavioural issues in the future.

3. What Can Go Wrong If Training Isn’t Continued—And the Benefits of Keeping Up with It

Skipping the “continued education” phase for your dog can lead to a few headaches. Without regular reinforcement, behaviours can slip, and that well-mannered pup you thought you had might start acting more like a wild teenager—jumping up on visitors, pulling on the lead, or barking at every leaf that moves. In more serious cases, untrained dogs can develop anxiety, aggression, or destructive behaviours like chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

On the flip side, keeping up with your training routine has some wonderful perks! First off, it strengthens the bond between you and your dog. You’ll have a better understanding of each other, which leads to more trust and fewer frustrations. Plus, regular training keeps your pup mentally stimulated, which helps avoid boredom and behavioural issues. And let’s not forget, it’s a great way to tire them out—because an exhausted pup is a well-behaved pup!

Recap: Without ongoing training, problem behaviours can creep in. But keeping up with it leads to a happier, more well-behaved dog and a stronger bond between you and your pup.

4. Why Gundogs Might Not Be the Best Fit for Busy Families

Now, let’s talk about gundogs. They’re gorgeous, loyal, and hardworking—but they’re also bred for serious jobs, which means they come with a whole lot of energy and drive. If you’re juggling young children and think a gundog might be a great addition, think again. Working-line gundogs like Labradors and Spaniels were bred to spend hours a day retrieving game, so they need a job to do—and chasing after your toddlers might not count!

These dogs require a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and, you guessed it, ongoing training. Without that, they can become frustrated and develop problem behaviours like excessive barking, hyperactivity, or even destructive chewing. For busy families who may not have the time to meet these demands, a gundog might not be the best match. Instead, consider a breed that’s known for being more laid-back and suited to family life, where a few walks a day and some cuddles on the sofa will keep them content.

Recap: Gundogs are beautiful but demanding! If your family can’t keep up with their high energy levels, you may want to reconsider bringing one home.

Conclusion

Training doesn’t stop when your puppy finishes that initial course—it’s a lifelong process that pays off in the form of a happy, well-adjusted dog. Just like we wouldn’t expect our children to stop learning after kindergarten, our pups need ongoing education to thrive. So, grab some treats, set aside time for regular training sessions, and enjoy the journey of helping your dog become the best companion they can be. And if you’re considering a gundog for your family, be honest about whether you can meet their high demands—or whether another breed might be a better fit.

Ready to invest in your pup’s lifelong education? Reach out to us for advice on ongoing training or to find out more about breeds that suit your family’s lifestyle. Training isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon, and we’re here to help you every step of the way!