The Importance Of Dog Training

Is dog training really that important?

If you're a frustrated dog owner, you might be asking yourself just that question. If your dog rolls his eyes and runs in the opposite direction when you give him a command, you make think trying to train him at all is an impossible task.

Let me assure you that it is NOT impossible and it is NOT irrelevant. Training your dog is a MUST in today's world. Why?

Let's consider a few examples....

• Have you ever tried going on a walk with a dog who feels like he's pulling your arm off at the shoulder as he tugs on the leash?
• Have you ever raced to stop your dog from licking up a toxic spill on your kitchen floor?
• Ever seen a cat at the veterinarian's office who won't come out of it's carrier and scratches and bites anyone who tries to stick a hand in to get him?
• Does your dog race around wildly when he's off leash, accosting passersby and weaving dangerously close to traffic?

I could go on and on with this, but the answer to the question "Why is dog training important?" is that a dog who is well trained is under your control and direction at all times. Training you to communicate with him.

Dog training's not for me, my dog is a free spirit!

You won't want to take him to the park, he won't know how to place nicely with other folks, he will scare children, bark and bother the neighbors, poop on your floor and generally be a danger to himself and others.

Dog training helps your dog survive in a hostile world

When you boil it all down, dog training is simply a way of establishing communication with your dog. You establish your relationship as the leader of the family, and your dog feels comfortable looking up to you. When you train your dog, you teach him what is expected of him and he feels oh, so happy to know that he is doing what you want. Earning your praise or a dog treat is heavenly.

Although he might not realize it, being well trained and under control will mean great things for his quality of life. If he knows how to behave in the house and is trained not to mess on the carpet or eat the furniture, he will be welcome in the home and free to interact with the family, rather than being confined to an outdoor run or to his crate inside.

If he knows how to walk nicely on the leash, come when called, and give up the ball so you can throw it again when playing fetch, how many more enjoyable trips to the park will he take?

If he knows how to lie down on command, to sit, stay and allow his teeth and nails to be examined, how much healthier will he be? He'll be able to go to the vet and groomer and let those fine folks have an easy time taking care of him and keeping him strong.

Dog training is imperative to any dog who hopes to make a go of it in modern society. Starting your puppy on a training program while he's young is ideal. That way you can prevent him from developing many bad habits.

On the other hand, a dog of any age can learn and just because you haven't been disciplined in training before is no reason that you shouldn't start now. Do what it takes to be responsible and get your dog trained.

If you want to get really fancy, you can train your dog to do a few tricks, but that's the fancy stuff. Focus on the dog training basics first, like house breaking, walking on a loose leash and the basic commands of come, stay, sit, down, and stand. If you never teach another thing beyond these essentials, your dog will have 90% of what he needs to be fully functional in our society.

Both you and he will enjoy the time you take together in training sessions as well as the improvement in lifestyle that comes with having good human-canine communication.