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(Last Updated On: )As a dog owner, you should know the benefits of having a trained dog. Dogs are sociable creatures by nature and love being around humans. However, they need a level of training so they know how to fit in well with their human families.
When it comes to dog training, you have a few avenues to explore. Dog obedience classes are common, or you can train your dog yourself with some home training tips. Regardless of which method you pick, the most important thing is to always be consistent. With some consistency, love, and lots of patience, you will be the proud owner of a calm, disciplined, and content dog.
Table of Contents
Benefits of a Trained Dog
Easier Management
Without a doubt, you’ll find it much easier to manage your dog in your day to day living when you have a well-trained pet. Teaching your dog basic commands such as “stay”, “heel” or “fetch” can help your dog learn to behave and obey. With these commands, you’ll be able to manage daily meal times better. Your dog will also understand how to behave well when you have guests visiting. Other training components for daily living include knowing how to walk safely in public, not jumping up on people, behaving well when left home alone, and returning to you when called.
After your dog is trained, it will be a full-fledged member of your family. It will know how to blend in and live together in harmony.
Fun Activities
Who said obedience classes have to be a chore? See it from a fresh perspective and you’ll see that obedience classes actually allow you to do fun activities or engaging exercises with your dog. You’ll also get to make friends with fellow dog owners who are often at the same stage as you – either training a young puppy or maybe helping to wean a dog off bad habits. You’ll also get to participate in some exercise with your dog. It’s a great way to get outdoors with your canine, get some fresh air, socialize with others, and get healthy!
Obedience classes often give you more information about dog training techniques, training, and ownership. It’s your chance to speak to your trainer about specific issues you’re facing with your dog. To get the most out of your classes, try to participate in any extra seminars, meetings, or even exhibitions that might sometimes be affiliated to your dog training program. Overall, it can be a lot of fun for both you and your pet.
A Happier Dog
It’s no secret that dogs are pack animals and actually love to be disciplined. Dogs do love to follow their pack leader and rules or boundaries help them to feel safe. Training your dog will make your dog a happier dog.
In fact, you’re also teaching your dog how it can interact well with other fellow canines. Your dog will inevitably come across other canines when you’re out so learning how to interact with them is vital.
Never assume that your dog naturally or instinctively knows how it should behave around other dogs. It’s the same as teaching children how to use their manners. You need to teach your dog how to engage safely with other dogs.
Even if you don’t often take your dog out, do not skip this training component. Getting your dog to learn socialization is very important. It’s inevitable that your dog will come across other canines on vet visits or walks, for example.
Visit More Places Together
Having a trained dog means you can take your dog to more places. Dog owners are less likely to take their pet along if it misbehaves or is difficult to control. Now that your dog is trained, you’ll be able to explore your town with your pet. You’ll be able to put your pet in various environments and situations and you can trust that it’ll know how to adapt and behave accordingly.
You can take along your trained dog on a camping or hiking trip, a friend’s house, a beach or any other public place. Your trained dog should know how to behave well and not be a nuisance to others.
Safety
As emphasized, one main benefit of a trained dog is safety. Your dog will be able to safely interact with both people and other dogs. You’ll be able to control your dog and command it to return to you if there’s any danger up ahead.
Bonding
Dog training requires you to work closely with your pet. You’ll find that putting in the effort and time day in and day out means you’ll bond closely with your dog. Your dog will also gain respect for you as its pack leader and learn to obey and trust your commands.
This bonding time is especially crucial if your dog has come to you from a previous owner. It might still be grieving the loss of its former pack leader. Or perhaps it was abused by its former owner and family. Through your close and consistent training, your dog will bond better with you and start to see you as its present pack leader. It will learn how to play and behave with you in your home, under your new rules and leadership. Your pet will understand what makes you unhappy or what makes you reward it.
Dog Training Tips
What are your house rules?
Don’t expect your dog to just know your house rules and what your expectations are. Before you get your dog, you should already know what you want your dog to do or what it’s not allowed to do. Think about these questions beforehand. Is there any area that it shouldn’t go into? Are you alright with him being on the bed or the couch? Is he allowed to sit under the table at your feet when you’re eating? Fix your mind on the rules from the get-go so it’s all clear and any confusion can be avoided.
Teach your dog to come
This is one of the most basic commands your dog should know. Teach your dog to come over when you call out to him. In fact, this should be the first command to teach your dog. Having your dog come over to you when summoned will strengthen your position as his pack leader.
In your first few times training, make sure you have some dog rewards on hand so you can positively reinforce him when he responds to his name and comes over. Make sure to also try this when he’s occupied with something fun. This will train him to leave whatever he’s doing and come over to you when called.
Set apart his own corner
Just like us humans, your dog likes to have his own private corner. Give your pet a corner from the time he becomes a member of the family. Then he knows it’s his own safe spot to rest and relax in. Preferably, it should be a space that’s entirely his and not occupied by any others. You can place a dog crate in his corner so he can retreat in comfort.
Teach him not to bite
Some dogs have a habit of playfully biting when they’re excited. However, no dog bite or nipping is ever okay. It might hurt a child, even if your dog never intended to do so.
Most owners simply take to scolding their dogs. However, another more positive way is to act as if he’s hurt you and that you’re in pain. Chances are, your dog will be so taken aback and will stop. After all, it’s often just a bad habit without the intention of actually hurting someone.
Conclusion
It’s important to understand your role as an owner in training your dog. Dog training is a two-way street and as your dog’s pack leader, you need to be actively involved. Work closely with your dog and enjoy other benefits such as a closer bond and a more active lifestyle in the training process. With some work, love, patience, and consistency, you’ll be the happy and proud owner of a well-trained dog in no time.
Ian is an avid outdoorsman and dog lover. He lives in Central Florida with his wife Heather, and their 2 dogs – Panda (Purebread Rough Collie X English Golden Retriever) & Kuma (Blue Merl Purebread Rough Collie)
