Having a trained pet provides many benefits for both the pet and the owner. For your fur babies, training keeps them healthy and disciplined. For the owners, trained pets may become a source of entertainment, socialization, security, and stress relief. In this post we will discuss the benefits of enrolling your pet in training.
However, not all pets start as well-trained, well-mannered companions.
Some may give you a headache, and training to get used to each other’s routines may take some time.
Some owners may decide to be patient and stick with teaching their pets themselves.
Still, other owners may choose to employ the assistance of experts and enroll their pets in a training program.
A properly planned pet training regimen helps your fur babies become friendlier and more well-behaved.
More importantly, training keeps both the owner and the pet safe and protected.
Although training is performed with expert assistance, you as the pet’s owner may also be involved in the learning process.
For example, trainers may provide you with a list of foods for your dog to eat or recommend what essential oils may be safe for canines to take.
You may also try alternative natural remedies to dog anxiety, which may arise during dog training.
Read on and learn the benefits of enrolling your pet in a training program for their safety and protection.
Benefits of Dog-Training
Results of a 2018 study suggested that dogs stick to what they have learned, highlighting the importance of dog training.
Training plays a critical role in a pet’s growth and development.
Pets learn to be more aware of their surroundings to maintain a safe environment for themselves and the people around them.
Dog Safety
Your dog’s safety is your responsibility.
With training, your pet will learn to listen to basic commands.
These commands will help prevent your dog from potentially engaging in fatal conflicts with other pets, running across a busy road, or generally harming itself in dangerous situations.
Safety of Your Home
Living with a trained dog is much more advantageous than with untrained dogs.
A domesticated dog will ensure that your home is treated with respect.
Your pet will know the difference between what is and is not allowed inside your home.
A trained pet may also save you the trouble of dealing with home repairs or chewed-up footwear.
Lasting Relationship Between Pet and Owner
The training plan and schedule are the beginning of a strong connection between you and your pet.
Spending time together will deepen your relationship, share experiences, and create boundaries.
During the training, mutual understanding and respect will develop.
Your dog will learn to trust your judgment, and you will appreciate your dog’s skills and capabilities.
More Sociable Pets
Training your dogs will help them behave well among other people.
Their good behavior will make it easier for you to take them out in public.
Your dog will develop confidence around humans and other dogs, so when you take it out for a walk, the experience will be more pleasant.
Easier Time With the Vet
Working with an unruly and ill-behaved dog is difficult for veterinary professionals.
Meanwhile, handling, grooming, and performing medical procedures will be easier if the dogs are trained.
There are many ways to keep your dogs calm in a vet clinic. However, a trained dog would make a difference.
Time spent in a veterinary clinic will not be traumatic for both your trained dog and the vet.
Things to Know Before Dog Training
Learn How Your Dog Thinks and Decode Its Body Language
Understanding a bit about your dog’s thought process is essential for communication between you and your dog.
Dogs are keen observers of their owner’s behavior and can understand the difference between them.
They do not communicate with their owners in the same way they do with other canines.
Instead, they act in a manner that humans can understand. For example, walking back to the door and barking at it may mean asking to be let out.
Understanding your dog’s behavior will be easier once you know and can read the cues to their needs and wants.
Decode Your Dog’s Body Movements
Being able to understand your dog’s mannerism is essential to a successful dog-training journey.
A wagging tail does not always mean, “I’m happy.” A dog barking, lunging, and pulling forward on a leash may mean, “I’m terrified!”
Misinterpreting these signs can sometimes result in significant consequences.
Consider Dog-Training as a Bonding Opportunity
Training your dog not only induces good behavior in your furry companion.
Training is also an opportunity to bond with your pet and develop a deeper relationship with each other.
You can learn so much about your pet’s mannerisms, reactions, and objects of motivation during training.
You may even find out your dog’s likes and dislikes.
The time you spend with your pet is time learning how to handle your dog properly.
Your dog will also know how to act around you.
Further, the deeper your bond with your pet becomes, the more your dog may want to work with you.
Differentiate Positive and Negative Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement means providing a reward for your pet’s desirable behavior.
The theory is that your pets are likely to repeat their behavior when reinforced with a stimulus.
Negative reinforcement is removing a stimulus when your pet behaves in a certain way.
One example is when you remove your dog’s leash if your pet does not run around too much in the park.
Make sure to use a combination of positive and negative reinforcement and utilize them in moderation.
Takeaway
The essence of training your dogs is not focused on teaching them how to do things.
It is more about helping your pets learn something and keeping themselves and their owners safe.
At the end of the dog-training journey, the bond between the pet and its owner will become stronger.
References
- Dogs (Canis familiaris) stick to what they have learned rather than conform to their conspecifics’ behavior. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0194808.
- Dogs’ Eavesdropping from People’s Reactions in Third Party Interactions. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0079198.
Nancy
Tuesday 7th of December 2021
These are some great ideas for dog owners. Our daughter has used pet training with her dog and has found it very helpful.
Debbie P
Wednesday 3rd of November 2021
This is an excellent idea!