Did you know that dogs bite people around 4.5 million times per year?
In the vast majority of cases, dog bites are avoidable. In some cases, they happen as a result of owner negligence, but in most cases, they are simply because the dog lacks training. A good chunk of those millions of bites could likely be curtailed with some simple dog obedience training.
Dog obedience training is, in most cases, a must for their owners. This goes beyond teaching your dog not to chew up the remote or pee on the carpet. If you train your dog, you gain a better understanding of them and a closer emotional bond.
Keep reading as we discuss whether you should get dog obedience training.
Dogs that May Need Dog Obedience Training
Should your dog get obedience training? Of course, the answer depends on your dog. You may have a well-mannered dog that has gotten proper training, and any further training might be superfluous.
Dogs that benefit most from getting obedience training:
Puppies that haven't gotten proper training
Unruly or aggressive dogs that are resistant to methods of training
Anxious or timid dogs that may not respond well to commands
An adult dog that you've purchased
Dogs that have become aggressive or feral
It's important to understand that the phrase "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" isn't necessarily true. Dogs, like humans, are always ready to learn new things. However, there is some truth to the phrase since younger dogs will be much easier to train.
Remember, dogs are wild animals in their natural state. If you were to release them into the wild, they'd go feral. Dogs cannot understand human morality and ideals without proper training.
How Does Dog Obedience Training Work?
Dog obedience training is a process of using positive reinforcement to reward "good" behaviors. Training in the past often involved extreme corrections, i.e. hitting a dog or yelling at them for bad behavior.
Negative reinforcement, when missused doesn't allow your dog to fully trust you. Many times, trainers and owners missuse negative reinforcement because they do not understand it and think it means they should punish the dog. If used in this manner, iIt may create or exacerbate negative behavior, and cause them to hide negative behavior from you. Positive reinforcement creates behaviors that stick without causing anxiety in the process.
Building trust and a deeper connection with your dog is as important than the training. This trust will make your dog more receptive to you, and more willing to cooperate. Repeated corrections only creates a dog that obeys out of fear and does not create lasting habits.
Dog Training Benefits
Training won't just save your sofa or keep the doo-doo out of the house. It will provide a number of lifelong benefits for you and your dog. Here are just a few of them.
Better Understanding of Your Dog
Dogs are very emotive creatures, and you've likely experienced this for yourself. They have facial expressions and bodily expressions that you can read, much like a person. If you've never tried to train your dog, you may only have a superficial understanding of what your dog is like.
Training creates a new level of closeness with your furry friend. You'll have a better understanding of their varying moods to make sure they're content.
Better Control of Your Dog
Of course, the purpose of training will help your dog to listen to commands. But your commands will be more effective after training. You'll know how to reinforce those commands for improved responsiveness.
Training creates a gateway to further training, too. Once your dog masters a few basic commands, you can teach them more. A strong basis with a dog trainer provides the tools you need for teaching your dog more complicated concepts.
A Well-Behaved Dog in All Situations
Your dog will have to interact with unfamiliar people at some point. Those might be people at the park or visitors to your home. Your dog needs to know the "etiquette" in those situations.
Obedient dogs are less likely to run away, easier to command in public, and more tame around other dogs. With the right dog training tips, your dog is less likely to react adversely in a new situation.
A Happier, More Confident Dog
Dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, and as such have developed a strong affinity for us. They put their lives in our hands and will do anything to protect us.
Dogs feel their best when they have a strong connection with their owner. Training bridges that gap and creates a dog that is happy and anxiety-free. This dog knows your boundaries and respects them, deepening and improving your relationship.
Choosing the Right Dog Trainer
The best trainer won't just train your dog to respond to commands, they'll help you to know how to handle your dog. Many owners don't realize that they may be doing things "wrong" with their dogs.
You want to make sure you have the right person for the job. Look for a person who:
Does not use any form of abusive corrections for training
Is gentle and patient with your dog
Is able to make your dog feel comfortable around them
Works with you so you can learn to garner improved obedience from your dog
A dog trainer worth their salt will supply you with dog training tips even when the training ends. These tips will be invaluable for you and your dog for the rest of your lives.
Find Dog Training With K-9 Culture
Dog obedience training is essential for most dogs. It helps to create a dog that is not only well-mannered but behaved around other people and dogs. Dog training will bring you closer to your dog than you ever could have been before.
K-9 Culture Dog Training specializes in dog obedience training for all kinds of breeds. We do group training, puppy training, and even private lessons if you so desire. Book a consultation today and see the difference it can make in your dog.
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