The Animals reveal great insights into Hwa Yu for both health and self-defense. Each Animal form is short enough to learn in a few lessons. It is during the lessons that follow that the movements reveal  the individual Methods and Harmonies of each Animal. You might want to spend 3-4 weeks on each Animal form before going to the next Animal. If you are learning the self-defense aspects of the Animals, you will want to spend more time on each Animal. 

Ideally, it would be best to have three years of experience in Standing, Rowing, Walking and the Animals before starting the Long Form. Master Li wrote in the Five Word Song: "Practice 'walking' and 'rowing' daily for two or three years. The more you practice, the more graceful you are in your exercise ... In ancient days in China, students of Hwa Yu took three years to train in rooting, before they began to learn the Form." Individual students of Hwa Yu develop understanding and abilities at an individual pace. The key is to relax and enjoy the movement. If you have a teacher, he or she will be able to guide you through your training. If you don't have a teacher and are using Hwa Yu videos to learn, there are many instructors in this forum who will be able to share their thoughts about training with you. 

Thanks and have a wonderful week!

Mark