These days, most people have a dog to be a pet, a loved family member. We don’t need a ratter, a guard or a herder. We simply want a dog to love and be loved. So why is it important to still train our pet dogs?
Here’s four fabulous reasons:
1: Some natural behaviours our dogs may do are inappropriate (like weeing on the floor, or barking at strange people or dogs) – we will naturally try to stop them. Training provides a way of positively asking for something different, rather than relying on threatening or intimidating your dog when he makes a ‘mistake’.
2: Our modern world is a very strange place to dogs, very different to what their biology has ‘programmed’ them to expect. There are lots of strange sights and sounds, lots of scary things we need them to be able to cope with (like visits to the vets and groomers). Training offers you a way of being able to offer support your dog in these difficult times – it teaches them they can rely on you to look after them and guide them through scary situations.
3: Communication. Dogs don’t speak English – or any language! Most of us know how frustrating it is to try and speak to someone who doesn’t understand your language – and if you’re in a foreign country and need help, it can be quite frightening too! Training is about teaching your dog to understand some basic words – and as you train, you’ll also begin to recognise your dog’s language more too – you’ll better recognise when he is happy or sad, frustrated or eager.
4: Bonding. These days, trainers are getting more and more skilled at developing techniques for teaching dogs using positive techniques, rather than resorting to old-fashioned methods for ‘forcing’ them to be ‘obedient’. This means training can be fun for both of you, making it a great bonding experience. Sharing happy times together is a great way to cement a friendship, and more and more owners are discovering the joys of doing activities with their dogs – respecting them as thinking, active individuals, rather than just breathing cuddly toys.