In this article, we’re going to be talking about why dog training is important and how to go about choosing a dog trainer.
Many may remember our cocker spaniels, Bentley and Ella. Unfortunately, after seven years of being part of our family, we had to make the tough decision of placing them in a new home. I was severely allergic and kept them out of my room. However, they were throughout the other parts of the house, and every year my allergies became worse and worse.
I had to make a decision between my health and their wellbeing. I couldn’t keep them in a crate all day long because that was unfair to them, but I also couldn’t play with them as I would have loved to. We were so attached and it was one of the hardest choices I ever made. Even harder than me filing for divorce from my ex-husband. My son, Kyle, cried when they left, and for weeks it was a lonely existence.
I have always had dogs in my life, but ones that shed very little. We finally decided that we wanted to have another dog, and this time I researched ones that wouldn’t aggravate my allergies, but I also wanted a large dog, and decided on a Tibetan Mastiff. Many see Tibetan Mastiffs as one of the most dangerous dogs in the world. I see them as our protectors and family members. However, the one thing that Tibetan Mastiffs are, as I soon found out, was stubborn.
They have a mind of their own and training, while it can be done, is generally tough to do. They are dogs who think that they know what’s best for them and you, and there’s none more hard-headed than my baby boy, Ares. We’ve decided that Ares needed training to not only control his incessant barking, but also for his own good.
When you take the time to train your dog, you’re investing in their future. A well-trained dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes for a happy owner. Keep reading to learn more about why dog training is important and how to choose the right trainer for your needs.
It Increases the Bond Between Your Dog and You
When you’re spending time training your dog, you’re also increasing the bond between the two of you. This is because you’re working together as a team, and your dog will start to see you as the leader of the pack. In turn, this will make them more likely to listen to you and obey your commands.
It also gives you a chance to get to know your dog better and understand how they think and what motivates them. This is important because it will help you communicate with them better and figure out what they’re trying to tell you. For example, if they’re barking, it could mean that they’re either excited or scared.
Some people think that dog training is all about teaching your dog tricks, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about building a strong relationship with your dog based on trust and respect. A trained dog is a happier dog. A happy dog is one that is well-adjusted and less likely to bark excessively, pull on the leash, or run away.
It Keeps Your Dog Safe
Another important reason why dog training is important is that it can keep your dog safe. This is especially true if you have a large or powerful breed of dog.
If your dog knows basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down, then you’ll be able to better control them in situations where they might otherwise get excited or scared. This could include things like meeting new people or other dogs, going for a walk in busy areas, or having visitors over to your home.
Knowing that you have the ability to control your dog’s behavior will give you peace of mind and help to keep them safe in situations where they might otherwise be at risk.
It Helps Them Be More Confident
A confident dog is a happy dog. Dogs that lack confidence can often become anxious or stressed, which can lead to problem behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or digging.
Training can help your dog to build confidence by teaching them new things and helping them to better understand their place in the pack. This is especially important for rescue dogs who may have had a traumatic experience in the past.
Giving your dog the gift of confidence will not only improve their overall quality of life, but it will also make them more enjoyable to be around. Everyone loves a confident dog!
Your Dog Will Be More Obedient
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless, and it’s probably one of the most important reasons for training your dog. You want them to be obedient for their own safety as well as yours. It’s important to be able to control your dog when you’re out in public so that they don’t become a nuisance or, even worse, hurt someone. A well-trained dog is a more obedient dog, which means that they’re less likely to get into trouble or have accidents in the house.
It’s important to start training your dog as early as possible so that they can learn basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and down. These commands will help you better control your dog’s behavior and can help you keep your dog safe in potentially dangerous situations. It can also prevent them from doing things like jumping on people or running away.
Obedient dogs are happier dogs because they know what is expected of them and they don’t have to worry about getting into trouble. They can also go more places with their owners because they’re not as likely to cause problems.
It Prevents Problem Behaviors
One of the best things you can do for your dog is to prevent problem behaviors from developing in the first place. This is much easier (and less frustrating!) than trying to fix a behavior that has already become an issue.
Training can help to prevent problem behaviors by teaching your dog what is expected of them and providing them with structure and boundaries. For example, if you train your dog not to jump on people, then you won’t have to worry about them accidentally knocking someone over or getting too excited and jumping on someone who doesn’t appreciate it.
Similarly, if you train your dog to come when called, you won’t have to worry about them running off and getting lost or getting into trouble. Teaching your dog basic obedience commands is one of the best ways to prevent problem behaviors from developing.
It Makes Them More enjoyable to Be Around
This one should be obvious, but it’s worth mentioning anyway! A well-trained dog is simply more enjoyable to be around than an untrained one. They listen to commands, they don’t jump up on people or beg for food constantly, and they’re generally just better behaved overall.
If you have a puppy, it’s important to get them used to people and other animals at an early age. The earlier they’re exposed to different types of people and animals, the better. Dogs that are socialized are less likely to be fearful or aggressive when they encounter new things. Training classes are a great way to socialize your dog and give them the opportunity to interact with other dogs in a controlled environment.
If you’re looking for a dog that will be a pleasure to take on walks, hikes, and trips to the dog park, then you need to invest in training. A well-trained dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is a joy to be around.
You’ll Be Prepared for Anything
You never know what’s going to happen in life, and it’s important to be prepared for anything. If you have a well-trained dog, then you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way.
For example, if you’re ever in a situation where you need to evacuate your home quickly, you’ll be glad that your dog knows the “come” command. If there’s an emergency and you need to take your dog with you, you can rest assured knowing that they’ll come when called and won’t run off or get lost in the chaos.
Similarly, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to defend yourself or someone else, a trained dog can be a valuable asset. A dog that has been trained in basic obedience and protection commands will be much more likely to listen to you and do what you say in a dangerous situation.
Investing in training now can help you be prepared for anything that comes your way in the future.
It’s an Investment in Your Relationship
Training is an investment in your relationship with your dog. It’s an opportunity for you to bond with your dog and build trust between you. A well-trained dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes for a happy owner.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, or if you already have one, make sure that you’re prepared to invest the time and effort into training it. It’s one of the best things you can do for your dog, and it’s an investment that will pay off for years to come.
Choosing a Dog Trainer
Now that you know why dog training is so important, you might be wondering how to go about finding a trainer for your pup. There are many different types of trainers out there, so it’s important to do your research and find one that uses methods that you’re comfortable with and that have been proven to be effective.
The most important thing you can do when choosing a trainer is to make sure that they use positive reinforcement techniques. Training should be fun for both you and your dog, and using positive reinforcement will help ensure that it is.
Look for a trainer who uses treats, praise, and other forms of positive reinforcement to reward good behavior. Avoid trainers who use harsh techniques, such as scolding, hitting, or electric shocks. These methods are outdated and have been proven to be ineffective.
You should also look for a trainer who has experience working with dogs of your pup’s breed or mix, as they’ll be familiar with any potential temperament issues that could come up.
Another thing to consider is whether you want a group class or private lessons. Group classes are great for socializing puppies or dogs who need to work on their obedience skills around other people and animals. Private lessons may be necessary if your dog has behavioral issues that need to be addressed.
No matter which type of training you choose, make sure that you’re comfortable with the trainer and that they’re able to answer any questions you have. Training your dog is an important investment, so take the time to find a trainer who will help you achieve your goals.
In Conclusion
Training your dog is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. It’s something that you’ll never regret doing and it will make your life (and your dog’s life) much easier in the long run.
If you have a new dog, or if you want to improve training with your existing pet, it’s never too soon or too late to do so. There are also many different ways to do it. There are dog training videos and tutorials online to help you do it yourself if you feel comfortable with that. Just be sure you’re taking advice from someone who is properly trained to teach it. There are also classes held at many local pet stores, at the vet’s office, and by local dog trainers, so do some research in your area.
Finally, you can also hire a professional dog trainer, and many will even come right out to your house and help train you to train your dog in your own environment. Many believe this improves the quality of the training for both the pet and the owner. So now that you understand why it’s so important, are you ready to get started?
