The Reason Everyone Should Train Their Dog
Are you worried that training you dog will break the bond that you two have built? Do you just accept the fact that you have to keep your dog penned up because of aggressive behavior toward visitors, including your four year old’s friends? Do you also accept the irritating howling and moaning when you take your dog for a walk? Is all of this actually acceptable behavior for a dog? I’m afraid not. I hate to break it to you, but even dogs have an expectation of being mannerly. The people suffering through your dog’s misbehaviordo not share your opinion that it’s cute when he climbs all over them, or damages doors.
You may find it difficult to be the one to require obedience from your dog, and I can understand your feelings. Dog ownership does not turn you into a whip cracking tyrant, and it is a worthless thought to think that you are the one who must teach your pet who’s in charge.
Your problem is that you have a misconception about what dog training really is. When we speak about dog training, we are not telling you to try to teach your dog to become human, to submit to human rules. Training is not an exercise to teach your dog that you are superior. What you are trying to achieve through training your dog, is to improve his approachability in social situations, and strengthen the bond that you two already share.
“Why should I bother with this?” you’re asking. So, this is why you should make the effort to train your dog. The vast majority of our days are spent behind a desk, studying balance sheets, drinking cup after cup of coffee. With our very limited free time, we have to blend time with family, pets, and gathering with friends. After a long day at work, we may spend a enjoyable evening relaxing in the park, or accept an invitation for a movie at a friend’s home. If your dog has trouble being around people, you will leave it home, and, more and more, you and your dog are spending little or no time together at all.
Much like people, animals experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, and depression when they feel deprived of attention from you and being left to sit alone in the dark most nights.
Although you may think that training will be unpleasant for your dog, you are creating a much worse situation for your pet by avoiding it. With training, you will be able to bring your pet along so that you can both enjoy the companionship.
Dogs who have advanced through obedience training are better able to contend with their immediate environment. A trained dog is a happy dog! Dogs who are trained have balance in their lives that is good for them, and makes them easier to live with as well. Give your wonderful dog the gift of your friendship. Train your pet so that it can go along for fun regardless of where you are going or who will be there.
Now is the time to give your friend a pat on the head and go out for your first training session. Simply teaching a few key words such as sit, stay, come, heel, and down, can dramatically improve your pet’s behavior. You will find that as training progresses, so will your relationship with your favorite companion. The best of luck!