February is dog training education month. So we thought we would take this opportunity to talk about the importance of basic dog training for every dog. Dogs have their own special needs, personalities, and natural instincts. They communicate differently from us and many of their typical behaviors differ from ours as well. When you bring home a pup, a lot is going to change for them and for you. Thus there’s a need to teach your dog how to fit in and a need to teach yourself how to accommodate their needs. That’s where basic dog training comes into play. If you do not take the time to train your dog and educate yourself, it will only lead to frustration.
Why basic dog training is important for every dog:
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It Could Be Your Dog’s Life SaverÂ
When you spend adequate time working with your dog on commands, there are better chances you’ll have control over your dog. For example, if you need your dog to listen if he tries to run out the door or if he starts walking towards someone who may be afraid of dogs, you will have ability to stop the unwanted behavior by using a command you taught your dog.
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Basic Dog Training Can Help Your Dog Be More Social
A trained dog is welcome in all kinds of places such as dog-friendly restaurants, stores, camps, beaches, hotels, and public parks. If you spend the time training your dog, your dog can go out with you more often allowing him to socialize more. Also, when you have guests visiting, you won’t need to send your well-behaved dog off to another room.
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Strengthens Your Bond With Your Dog
Dog training provides the perfect opportunity to strengthen your bond with your dog. Working on basic dog training helps you learn what makes your dog tick. It teaches you what techniques your dog best responds to when you work and play together. Your dog also learns how to respond to you, what excites you, and what upsets you. As you do stuff together, you build trust and respect. In the end this helps fosters your bond with each other.
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Training Helps You Understand Your Dog
The more quality time spent with your dog, the easier you’ll be able to control him. You’ll have a better understanding of his needs, and what he is trying to tell you. You will begin to notice things such as the position of his tail, ears, body, lips, etc. All of these add up to knowing and understanding your dog better.
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You Both Will Live Happier Lives
From a dog’s perspective, being home with you all the time, going out with you when you leave, meeting new and exciting people, being more confident and understood, translates to a happy dog. The happier a dog is, the less likely he will exhibit behavioral issues, which will lead to a much happier life for you as a dog parent.
There’s absolutely no downside to dog training when done in a positive way that both you and your dog enjoy. Invest time into your dog, to maximize your relationship. If you live in the Los Angeles area and you are looking for a dog trainer, we highly recommend, Michael Steinberg, The Pet Shrink. He can be reached at (818) 998-2844. If you are looking to train your dog on your own, we recommend reading, Perfect Puppy In 7 Days: How To Start Your Puppy Off Right by Sophia Yin.
Did you take the time to teach your dog basic dog training?
*This blog was updated in January, 2019.*
My wife and I recently adopted a golden retriever from the pound and reading up on the breed I’ve realized that golden retrievers are very intelligent. I really liked the point you made about the training making the dog friendlier so that he’ll be able to join us on walks and come camping with us when we go. I am glad you had mentioned that because my whole family is very social and we’d love for our dog to be able to enjoy those social events with us, I’ll be looking into having him professionally trained.
That is so great you gave the gift of life to your Golden Retriever by adopting him. Golden Retriever’s are intelligent dogs. Getting professional training so your dog will walk well on leash, be able to go camping with your family, and to do other things has so many benefits for your dog and your family.
So true! People underestimate the importance of basic dog training and obedience.
What’s great today is that there are so many ways to learn about basic dog training. So many tools and techniques can be found right on the internet.