The Advantages of Training Your Dog
The saying “dogs are man’s best friend” isn’t just a cute phrase. Dogs are a huge part of many families and provide their owners with love, companionship and unconditional affection. However, it’s important to remember that dogs need to be trained to be well-behaved and respectful of their humans. Regular training sessions not only help your pet learn but also improve your relationship and prevent behaviour concerns from developing.
The most obvious benefit of dog training is that it helps your pup be well-mannered in the home. By teaching your dog basic obedience commands like sit, stay and come, you can teach them not to jump on visitors or to eat food off the table. This will help to keep your dog safe and happy in your company and will also make it easier for you to take them on walks, trips to the park or even to a vet or groomer.
In addition to training your dog to do what you want, training can also help them learn to calm themselves and deal with stressors. For example, if your dog barks at people walking by the house, a trainer can show you how to stop this behavior with the use of a clicker and positive reinforcement. This type of training is different from traditional, punishing methods and is more effective as it is not about yelling at the dog or removing their reward (i.e. petting) if they do something you don’t like.
Another aspect of dog training is that it provides your dog with regular mental stimulation and exercise, which can help to prevent boredom and destructive behaviours such as chewing. Training also helps you develop a bond with your dog and helps them understand that you are the leader of the pack and that their actions have consequences.
Having your dog well-trained will also protect them from dangerous situations such as running into traffic or bolting through the front door when you’re trying to leave for work. Your pet will listen to you and return when you call them if they’ve been trained to come when called. There are other ways to train them so head over to Bulldogology to find out!
While you may not enjoy spending the time it takes to train your dog, it’s a necessary part of being a good pet parent and is incredibly rewarding. As you spend time together, you will build a respect and trusting relationship that will last a lifetime and be a great companion to your family. If you’re ready to start training your pup, contact your local dog trainer for a free consultation. They will help you get started and guide you through the process to create a well-mannered pup!