I’m on quite a few FB dog sites and I sometimes think that a larger-than-expected portion of the population thinks that dog training isn’t really worthwhile, or worse, that it’s cruel or unnecessary. When I talk about dog training, I’m not talking about cruel, harsh, unkind or abusive methods. I’m talking about quality and dog training that is kind and consistent. So if you’re wondering IF dog training actually has any benefits, have a read; I’ve got heaps of great reasons it’s not just beneficial, but essential.
Reasons to Train Your Dog
Safety for Your Dog
Whether it’s STOP as they are running towards a road, or LEAVE IT as they go towards a toad or a potential bait, obedience may very well save your dog’s life in some instances. It’s not always cute things like ‘shake’ or ‘roll over’, but basic commands that may well save them.
Safety for All
Commands like COME may well stop a dog fight, or keep your dog away from a child, or even an adult who is scared of dogs, especially larger dogs. If your dog ‘goes at’ someone, that is considered a ‘dog attack’ by many councils, even if your dog didn’t bite the person or even actually touch them. Having an obedient big dog is critical for their safety, other people’s safety and other animals. Unfortunately, even if someone has their dog off lead (such as often happens with small dogs), and your dog is on a lead, even if your dog shows aggression at another dog who is off lead, expect to be abused because “you have a vicious dog”. It’s not fair, but it’s reality.
Creates Routine
Often, doing training and having a well-trained dog creates a sense of routine. It might be as simple as sitting and waiting for a command to eat their food. Dogs (like children) thrive on routine.
Makes Social Interaction Better
A well-trained dog not only is easier to walk, but also to take places; whether that is a coffee shop, camping or a trip to the beach. If they are able to interact well with others (the two and four-legged varieties), then you’ll more likely go places. It also means you (and your pooch) will be more likely to be invited to visit friends. It means they can interact with dogs whilst walking in a safe and healthy way. Remember, dogs are social animals, so they thrive on social interaction, and in turn, you’ll have a healthier pooch.
Enhances Communication
When your dog is well-trained, then communication is naturally better. It might be simply the pull of the lead, a word command, or the click of your tongue, or even a hand signal. I’ve taught most of my dogs a hand signal to come; so if they are on the beach and cannot hear me, as long as I get their eye, then they will see the hand command and come back to me.
Builds a Closer Bond
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, training enhances your bond with your dog. IMO, it’s partially about the time you spend with your best friend, but it’s also the respect they have for you and the enjoyment they get from training. Remember that training is ongoing, daily and works best with consistency, so it’s a lifelong activity; not just you train your dog for a month in classes and then it doesn’t continue. It’s ongoing for their life.
Mental Stimulation
Many dogs, especially smarter or larger breed dogs, including breeds which are traditionally ‘working dogs’, absolutely thrive on the mental stimulation of training. They love the challenge, the work and yes, the rewards for a great job done. Remember that as your dog gets older, reward doesn’t have to be treats; often better is your praise, a pat and ‘atta boy’. It’s not just the mental stimulation; it’s also the physical exercise – great examples are Border Collies or Australian Shephards – who have energy by the bucketload.
Owners are Happier
Let’s face it, when your dog is well-behaved and follows commands, then you are less stressed. You know your dog will behave during walkies, regardless of their size or strength which makes walkies or any activity with your dog less stressful. A dog that ignores you, won’t come, or barks incessantly, just adds to your stress levels and reduces your own well-being. But before you blame the dog, ask yourself if you’ve worked with your pooch consistently in their training, or only gave it a haphazard go.
Opens Up Opportunities
If your dog is well-trained in basic commands and general obedience, then this opens the door to other activities, such as flyball, agility training or scent work. There are many other activities you and your buddy can participate in – but first you need very solid general obedience.
Makes Having a Pet Sitter Much Easier
A well-trained and obedient dog (especially larger dogs, which cannot always be easy to walk) makes getting a house or pet sitter much easier. If your dog is obedient, you don’t need a SAS soldier for the task. It also makes vet visits easier too. 😊
Improves your Health
Training means you’re probably outside (or at least not on the couch), which means exercise, fresh air and movement. It means you can take your dog places, so you are more likely to go out, walk, camp, hike or do other outdoor activities with your best friend. Healthy dog and healthy you.
Life is Easier Long Term
A well-trained dog will make your life easier long-term down the track. Train your dog now well when they are little (especially for larger breed dogs) and by the time they are 40 kilos, it won’t be a case of being dragged by them, but rather, they walk well and follow directions. As you get older, or you don’t have the strength of a warrior, you will appreciate this even more. Your life and that of your dog will be far more harmonious and they, like you, will be more likely to be emotionally stable and balanced. Dog training doesn’t guarantee this, but it’s a big plus in the right direction.
As you can see, there are at least a dozen reasons why it’s a great idea to train your dog. Training ideally starts early, it’s consistent, and it occurs pretty much every day of your dog’s life. I know if I’ve not practised something for a while, my dog can get ‘rusty’, so it’s important to practice regularly and keep up with your training all the time. I highly recommend that if you’ve got a puppy, you go to classes. Honestly, dog training is often about training the owner on how to train their dog; it’s not just training the dog. And forget that adage ‘you can’t teach an old dog’ … whereas in fact you can. They have better self-control sometimes; so if you’ve just got a new older dog, don’t think it’s too late. 🐾