Why Train Your Dog?

So many people do not train their dogs.   Some humans don't want to.   Some humans feel their dog is already well mannered as it is.   Some people have gone to training classes but not left with a trained dog (trained to a standard, and I will discuss that in another article).  However, living with a trained dog makes life so much easier.   I only wish people knew that once the work was put in, living with your dog is a delight NOT a chore.

Here are some reasons to train your dog that benefit both members of the team:

· Your dog is happier because he/she understands what you want.

What are people thinking when they ask an untrained dog to sit? I know the dog is thinking “Whattttt??????” Dogs are not born with an innate ability to understand English, even if to us those words are the most common commands used. If your dog isn’t trained, he/she has no idea what you want of him/her. They will try to figure it out, and try out a few options on you in the process. In the end though, they will go for the most rewarding (to them) thing to do, as that will be easiest.

When dogs understand what the command means, they are much happier. This comes through training (or teaching) the dogs exactly what the commands mean to us. The pressure of having to be in control of the situation is now taken away from the dog and put onto the owner. For most dogs, this is such a relief! It is the owner’s job to feed, protect, guide, and lead their charges.

· Strengthening the bond between dog and owner.

The strongest bond between dog and owner is the made during and after training. By teaching your dog the commands and working through issues, you will get to know and trust your dog. Your dog will get to know and trust you, if this is done properly There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment when your dog downs for the first time perfectly amid other dogs, balls being thrown, treats tossed on the floor, and humans stepping over them. The pride that you will feel in yourself and in your dog is amazing. Now transfer that same pride to every day situations where you can comfortable travel, take a walk, go to your local Petco, and have friends come and visit you.

· Safety for you and your dog.

Ever walk your dog on a treacherous ice covered sidewalk? The last thing you need to worry about is your dog pulling you down, as he races or pulls his way where he/she wants to go. Correctly taught commands such as “heel” or “sit” are staples in making sure such accidents do not occur. The dog will benefit, because the owner is bound to walk him/her more often if it is a pleasure. The owner will benefit by not finding himself/herself hurtling down the front stairs.

Leashes and collars sometimes become undone unexpectedly. If your dog is untrained, this can be an almost certain life threatening situation depending on where you are. Trained dogs can be stopped in their tracks, usually, before tragedy strikes. Any way, your chances are astronomically better with a trained dog.

· On the road with your dog.

You may get into a pet friendly hotel once with an untrained dog. The hotel will probably not invite you back a second time, however. Dogs who are trained are allowed certain privileges that others cannot be given. Restaurants can be convinced at times to allow you and your dog to eat on the outside deck. A boat tour can be wheedled into allowing your dog on board. Life and the adventures that go along with living become more fun for the both of you, because you are both together.

· Visiting company with your dog or company visiting you and your dog.

Most people, who don’t like dogs, really mean that they don’t like untrained dogs. Guests of owners who have untrained dogs know the signs:

Excessive jumping

Getting underfoot all the time

Begging for food

Guarding their toys

Snapping over food items

•  Avoiding 80% of behavioral problems, including those that frequently crop up as dogs age and develop arthritis and other health issues. 

Behavioral issues once started and allowed to develop only get worse.   Training a dog out of behavioral issues is harder once they have had practice at it, especially years of practice.  

Also as dogs get older, the most mellow of dogs can become concerned about being bumped into and stepped on.   The ability to have communication with your dog can keep them comfortable, feel safe, and remove them from situations that would be painful.

• Humans get injuries and get old.   When that happens is not the time to start to think about training your dog!

I have two requests in for residency programs for people who will be recooping from surgery, and possibly not be as stable as they once were.   It is expensive to do this later on, when someone else needs to do the up front training for you.   It is much easier when you have prepared your dog early on to be a helpmate to you by heeling by your side, and being used to performing commands in distracting places.

Some pictorial reasons to train your dog as well.   If your dog is not able to be in public, have adventures, and/or does not get along well in a pack of well behaved dogs. look into training with a professional results orientated dog trainer.   Your dog will thank you for it!  Many of these are of dogs having freedom and fun, but training is how we all got to that place.

A trained dog is a pleasure to most everyone. Friends will feel more at ease coming to your house, and interacting with your dog if he/she can behave and mind commands when given.


Mannerly Mutts offers private lessons, group lessons, day train program, and residency programs for your training needs.  If you are ready to go to work, please fill out the client interview form.

It’s never to late to start, and make a big change in your dog’s life.

http://www.mannerlymutts.com
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com