Why Is Training Your Dog So Important?

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training your dog

You have heard the saying that dogs are man’s best friend.

Adding a dog to your household will bring happiness and companionship. Most dog owners have a vision of relaxing walks in the park, playing with their dog, and the dog obediently sitting curled up near them. Unfortunately, an anxious or untrained dog might have behavior problems. bark, or even become destructive.

Care for a dog comes with responsibilities, and training your dog is one of the most important.

In the past, people used punishment-based techniques to teach dogs obedience commands and tricks. The dog training world has evolved to focus on positive reinforcement and will help you grow your bond with your dog. Well-trained dogs are more social with humans and other dogs, respond to your commands and are less likely to have behavior issues.

Keep reading to learn the benefits of training your dog and some dog training tips!

Builds a Healthy Relationship

Taking the time to train your dog will help you understand your dog’s unique personality and needs. You will learn how your dog reacts to different situations and people. Understanding your dog will give you more confidence when your dog encounters new people and dogs, and make it easier for you to take your dog on walks.

Learning how to train a dog using positive reinforcement, will help you build mutual respect. Rewarding your dog with praise and treats is one of the best dog training tips.

When you reward your dog for good behavior, they are more likely to repeat this behavior in the future.

Prevents Bad Behavior

All dog owners have heard horror stories of dogs that are left at home alone and destroy furniture or clothes. There are many different reasons that dogs become destructive, including anxiety, stress, and frustration.

One of the dog training benefits is that you will get to know your dog better, and can help them cope with these feelings. Dogs need adequate mental and physical stimulation to keep them from engaging in destructive chewing.

Dogs that have been properly trained have less separation anxiety. Separation anxiety leads to crying, barking, and chewing.

Learn to Socialize

From a young age dogs need to learn how to socialize with other dogs and humans.

Dogs who learn to socialize with other dogs from the time they are a puppy will be more comfortable in social settings. All dogs have different personalities, some will enjoy playing with other dogs more than others. Giving your dog plenty of opportunities to meet other dogs help them learn good dog manners.

Dog training classes give your dog great opportunities to spend time with other dogs.

Dogs who are not given enough socialization can become anxious. Anxious dogs are more likely to act aggressively with others.

Does your dog crave more socializing with other dogs? Dog daycare is a great way to let them spend more time playing with other dogs!

Dogs also need to learn how to interact with humans.

Not all dogs will feel comfortable with humans they do not know. It is your job to learn if meeting new people will make your dog anxious. You should not force your dog to allow strangers to pet them if they are not comfortable with it.

Training Your Dog to Keep Them Safe

Dogs that do not listen to commands are at risk of getting hit by a car, fighting with other dogs, or running away and getting lost.

An obedient dog will listen to you even when they are not on a leash, which allows you to still be in control and keep them safe. You can let your dog run unrestrained if you are confident they will stop and return to you when you call.

It is a great idea to teach your dog to stop and wait at intersections before crossing the road. If you ever do get separated from your dog, they will remember this training and not run into traffic.

Training your dog will make their behavior more predictable.

Flexible With New Environments

Well-trained dogs are more relaxed and will be comfortable in new environments faster than untrained dogs.

It is easier to board your dog when you travel if they are well-trained. Obedient dogs will listen to other people’s commands, even when you are not present.

You will feel more relaxed knowing that your dog is safe and behaving well for other people when you are away.

Never Too Late

The earlier you begin training your dog, the easier the process will be. You can avoid bad behavior and teach proper socializing when your dog is still a puppy.

It is estimated that only 4% of dogs in the United States participated in a training class!

If you have an older dog that is behaving poorly, it is not too late to start obedience training. It will take time and effort to train your dog, but you will be rewarded with a well-behaved dog. Remember to involve your entire family in the training process.

Keep It Fun

Dog training exercises keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated. If your dog is recovering from an injury, or surgery, or cannot go outside due to bad weather, training exercises will keep them from feeling bored and frustrated.

Remember to focus on positive reinforcement for your dog, this will encourage good behavior all the time. Taking the time to continuously train your dog will create a strong bond between you and your dog.

Enjoy the Companionship of a Well-Trained Dog

You and your dog will benefit when you invest your time in training your dog. A well-trained dog will respect the rules of your house, be social with other dogs and humans, and be safer than an untrained dog.

The bond you create with your dog through training will help you enjoy every moment of being a dog parent.

Want help training your dog? Valley Veterinary Hospital’s dog training philosophy focuses on positive reinforcement and building the relationship between dog and parent. Contact Valley Veterinary Hospital today to sign up for dog training sessions!

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