Having a dog is one of life’s simplest pleasures. Their faithful, unconditional love is reassurance and helps us through life’s tougher moments – and it makes sense that so many of us have a light-touch approach to training our pooches. After all, it’s their quirks and idiosyncrasies that make them what they are, isn’t it? Well, that may be the way we see it sometimes, but if dogs are going to live in our homes with us, there are times when we need more help to teach them to handle their extreme instincts more appropriately. And this is why a dog trainer can be so important in helping us live with our pets.
Although opinions differ between dog owners, there are some situations that make it clear why training is important. If you’re in two minds over whether to seek out training for your dog, the following should make it quite clear what the benefits are…
It actually strengthens your bond with your pet
While some people may worry about the possibility of the training process erasing some of their pet’s personality, the precise opposite is generally true. Having a dog who is well-trained without using fear, pain or coercion, will deepen and strengthen your bond with your canine pal and bring out the best of their traits. They will be more relaxed and responsive, while you will experience fewer downs, more ups and a broadly more positive relationship with your dog. It can’t be overstated just how much this helps you and your furry friend.
More value from vet visits
A dog who is well trained using positive reinforcement and good experiences to become well socialised will be more comfortable with being taken outside of his or her comfort zone and more optimistic when new challenges arise. This is something that takes on particular importance when it comes to taking your pet to the vet. A dog who will sit patiently – and who is less jittery around humans who are not you – is easier to check over, and any vet visits will go more smoothly. Without the distraction that can result from a recalcitrant pooch, your vet will be better able to diagnose any issues they may have, and ongoing treatment will be easier.
Your dog will be safer
Dogs are enthusiastic creatures, fascinated by the world around them and the sights, sounds and (especially) smells that it offers. They’re also territorial, and this can lead them into unwise behaviours, including picking fights with other dogs. When your dog is trained and you have a happy relationship with them, it’s less inclined to get into scuffles with rival pets and less likely to come off second best. It’s also going to be much less likely that your dog will try to run off to experience more freedom, which includes running into busy roads, and a well trained dog will always come back when called. It’s better for your heart rate and for your dog’s wellbeing if you can control their messier impulses.
A well-trained dog can be around people, and therefore you, more
As devoted as you may be to your dog, you can be sure that they are at least as devoted in return, and as much as you miss them when they’re not there, the feeling is very much mutual. A trained dog can be in more social situations, spend time around people even when they haven’t been introduced, and can be trusted in larger gatherings – which means you’re not going to be faced with the choice of leaving your dog behind in certain settings. The even better news is that the more time they spend around other people, the more strangers become normalised, and the more than training is reinforced.
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