10 Reasons To Train Your Dog

10. History!

Thousands of years ago dogs were domesticated for one very important reason: to assist humans in every day life.  Each breed was originally domesticated and refined for a specific job in order to make the lives of their humans easier, more efficient, and generally better. Today we often don’t utilize breeds for their original purposes (do you know many Golden Retrievers who hunt or Portuguese Water Dogs who still bring in nets for fisherman?). Therefore, it is important that we find other ways to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, and wanting to do things with us. Training is such an easy way to accomplish this! We must respect and honor the reasons why we have dogs in our lives today.

9. Dogs need to know where they fit in our lives.

Have you ever watched a wolf or wild dog pack hunt on tv? Each dog/wolf is very clear on their job and position in the pack.  They have to be because their lives depend on it.  We should look at things the same way within our own families.  We’ve brought this wonderful creature into our lives and it is so important that they understand where they fit in. All humans must earn the respect of our canine companions. When we don’t show them leadership and consistency we are being very unfair because dogs are hard-wired to know exactly where their place is.  Training is crucial to getting your dog on the right path and keeping him there!

8. It will greatly improve the bond between you and your dog.

Training is an important way for you and your dog to bond and become a team. The more you practice the better the team you become.  Each member of the family should take this simple step to strengthen their bond because each relationship with the dog is unique. Playing with your dog is not enough – you need to be more than just a buddy.  When you train and follow through regularly your dog will love you even more because he trusts you to be a leader and keep him safe.

7. Exercising the mind is as important as exercising the body.

Mental exercise combined with physical exercise prevents your dog from getting bored (and getting into mischief!). Some people like to use a phrase that is not one of my favorites: “a tired dog is a good dog”. While I agree that we MUST meet our dogs exercise needs, it’s not just about wearing them out until they are too exhausted to do anything. Structured training (both physical and mental) should be a part of every day life. The more we teach our dogs the less bored they will be, and therefore less likely to get into trouble.  Plus, they really enjoy it!

6. It’s fun! (IF you approach it the right way)

After each lesson you need to practice with your dog, but don’t look at it as a chore.  Practice sessions should be short and sweet.  If you have a total of 1 hour per day break it down into short sessions.  12 five-minute sessions spread throughout the day is ALWAYS better than 1 sixty-minute session at a shot.  This will keep training fresh and fun for both of you. Plus, it gives you both more practice throughout the day, which shows your dog that good behavior is expected all the time, not just that 1 hour of hard-core training. And don’t be afraid to get silly and have fun – training will be fun if you make it that way!

5. It’s healthy for both of you!

How often have you heard that spending time with your dog has numerous health benefits? Dogs enjoy making us happy and the feeling is mutual. How often is your dog’s tail wagging and you look into his eyes and you just know he is trying to convey how much he loves you?  As much as dogs are happy pleasing us, we are happy to see them happy. The emotional bond between a dog and his person is unlike any other. Some of the positive side effects: stress reduction, relaxation, lower blood pressure…  Translation: it’s good for us!

4. Dogs are capable of learning hundreds of commands – why waste that?

It’s true and most of us don’t work with our dogs anywhere close to their potential. They are truly amazing creatures and we should help them be the best they can be! Enough said.

3. Trust and respect.

Trust has to be earned. Respect has to be earned. And it goes both ways – dogs must trust and respect us and we must do the same with them. Training helps build the trust and respect necessary for a healthy dog-human relationship. And it takes little effort for a relationship that will last a lifetime.  Isn’t your dog worth it?

2. You will be rewarded with feelings of pride and accomplishment (and you deserve it!).

Once you and your dog have learned some exercises you should practice them in many different locations.  This will challenge your dog to respond in different settings with many distractions. Both of your skills will get better and better and the sky’s the limit. Your successful interactions will make you the envy of all who witness your amazing teamwork. You deserve the admiration from others because YOU have trained your dog so well!

1. It’s the most important way to keep your dog safe.

When we commit to sharing our lives with a dog it is our responsibility to care for and protect them. We take it very seriously – the vet visits, grooming, feeding & medications. Training should be just as important. What if your dog runs out the door and doesn’t come back when called? Or if he accidentally slips his leash on a busy street and won’t sit/stay until you can get to him?  We owe it to them to at least teach some basic commands. Bottom line: if your dog won’t listen to you, you cannot keep him safe.

Love your dogs, hug your dogs, always be kind to your dogs, and train your dogs!