If you’ve ever met (or owned) an unruly dog, you know how totally overwhelming their presence can be. They’ll jump on you and others, pull a leash until your shoulder aches, bark into thin air until your ears are ringing, and so much more. These kinds of behaviors absolutely do not work with the modern American lifestyle, where our dogs are like family and go just about everywhere we do.
Dog training is an investment in a happy, healthy, lifelong relationship with your companion. When you teach your pup to obey, your home is more peaceful for everyone (including the animal). It may not be obvious now, but your dog wants to get along with you. Dogs enjoy praise, and they are also affected by scolding. They are emotional creatures who, at the end of the day, want nothing more than to be your best friend.
Here are a few ways that dog training can make your life easier:
Voice commands make the outside world safer for your pooch.
Understanding voice commands, in certain circumstances, can quite literally be the difference between life and death for your furry sidekick. The classic combo, “come, sit, stay,” can keep your pet out of the way of vehicles, predators, and other potential threats.
Social training makes it easier for your pup to make friends.
Socialization is a very important part of the training that puppies receive in their first few classes. Even if you choose to forego formal training classes, allowing your dog to be around other dogs teaches them to have manners around their peers and to be friendly toward them. Failing to properly socialize your pet will not only result in a limited social life, but it can also lead to unnecessary anxiety.
Having good manners means your pet will always be welcome.
A well-mannered dog is really a joy to have around. That means that your friends and family will be happy to see your pup tag along when you visit, and road trips will be easy. You won’t need to be selective about your company, because there is no reason to be concerned about your dog’s behavior around elderly people, disabled people, or children. You will feel comfortable bringing your dog anywhere that dogs are permitted, which is not true for untrained animals.
There are a variety of reasons that point toward the importance of properly training your dog, and they all point to a better overall quality of life for both of you. If you haven’t looked into training options for your pup, we want to encourage you to do so. Whether you do some form of at-home training on your own, private sessions with a professional trainer, or group classes at a local pet facility, the investment will be well worth it.
January is also National Train Your Dog Month, so be sure to keep an eye out for special promotions around your hometown next month!
Featured Photo Credit: modesrodriguez via Compfight cc