Why Is Dog Training The Best Thing We Can Do For Our Dogs?

We're always told how important it is to train our dogs, but what exactly is dog training and why is it so important anyway?

The following list explains why it is absolutely vital that we provide proper socialization and training to our canine friends.

Please read these 5 undeniable reasons why we owe it to our dogs to train them:

1. Dog training helps to build and strengthen a healthy and productive relationship with your dog.

• Dog training opens up the lines of communication between you and your dog. A real form of two-way communication is established through positive non-violent dog training. You and your dog will learn to interact with each other in a mutually respectful manner, based on co-operation and understanding.

• A well socialized and trained dog will become a fantastic life-long companion, workmate and friend. An untrained dog can quickly become a burden and an endless source of frustration. Instead of having a lopsided relationship where you are continually yelling at or reprimanding your untrained dog, why not set your dog up to succeed by providing some leadership and clear guidelines for him/her to follow?

• A trained dog is a well respected and trusted member of society who is welcomed almost anywhere. This has to be a positive thing for your relationship, doesn't it?

2. Training prevents many common "dog problems" from ever arising.

• A whole range of common dog behavior problems can be prevented through some obedience training. Dogs are creatures of habit so why not use this to your advantage by helping your dog to develop good behavior habits from an early age? If you are proactive and set up some simple guidelines and routines for your puppy to follow you may never have to deal with destructive behaviors such as digging, chewing, excessive barking and even separation anxiety.
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• When a so-called behavior problem does arise you and your trained dog will be well equipped to work through it. You will be able to clearly communicate with your dog that the behavior is unacceptable. You may even choose to get your dog to perform an alternate behavior in place of the existing problem. An example of this would be if your dog was up surfing your countertops for food scraps you could get him/her to "go to your spot" instead.

•  The vast majority of "bad dogs" or dogs with behavior problems eventuate because the dog has never been taught any better. A dog does not chew your expensive shoes to get back at you or because he/she is evil. They do it simply because you left the shoe lying around with a bored and stressed dog. Most probably if you provided a tasty chew toy and did some chew toy training then your dog would be more than happy to chew on the toy only.

• A trained dog is also a pleasure to take for a walk (no pulling!) and trips to your Vet or Dog Groomer are never a problem.

3. Training your dog is a necessary safety measure for you, your dog and everything that comes into contact with your dog.

• Having your dog under voice control in any situation is a very reassuring position to be in - it may even save your dog's life one day. If your dog is about to bolt out onto a busy road or pick up something dangerous it is great to be able to immediately intervene and change their behavior with an obedience training command such as "no", "come" or "leave it".

• A properly socialized and trained dog is a much safer proposition around other dogs and animals. Dog training plays a crucial role in educating your dog how to act appropriately around yourself, your children and visitors to your home.

4. A trained dog is confident, secure and comfortable with his/her place in your household.

• A well-trained dog appreciates the guidance, structure, and boundaries you provide through training. It's far better than having a nervous, anxious and confused dog who is continually being yelled at for things he/she doesn't even understand. Training relieves much of the frustration and stress that exists between you and your dog.

• Training sets up proper household etiquette for your dog to follow. It addresses such issues as bolting out the front door, chewing, jumping up on guests and excessive barking.

• Dog training provides a brilliant release or outlet for all of your dog's pent-up energy. This energy has to come out in one way or another so why not channel it into something productive like obedience training?

5. A trained dog's life takes a far different path to that of an untrained dog.

• Most dogs that end up in animal shelters arrive there because they have at least one behavior problem - many of these problems can be easily controlled through some basic obedience training. Untrained dogs often become a pest and are pushed further and further away from the family. This of course only compounds the existing problems. Behaviors such as jumping up, mouthing and cheeky barking which you considered to be cute in your young puppy suddenly become a real problem as the dog grows up.

• When we bring a new dog into our lives we are bringing a different species into a world that is completely foreign to them - our human world. We owe it to our dogs to help them fit into our way of life by clearly showing them what is expected of them and what is acceptable behavior - this is what dog training provides.

So there they are, the 5 reasons I believe every dog deserves at least some basic training - for everybody's benefit.

For just a second forget about all of the benefits listed above that obedience training provides. Would you still train your dog even if all of the benefits listed did not apply? I would, because training your dog is one of the real joys of owning a dog, it is great fun. Time spent training your dog is time well spent - for all involved.

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