The Truth about Dog Training
Training starts in puppyhood and continues throughout a dog's life, whether you're teaching basic obedience commands or training for competitive events. The time you invest in training your dog will pay off down the road with a happy, well-adjusted canine who is a much-loved member of your family. The end result—a dog who is a joy to live with—is more than just reward for the work you put into training.
One of the reasons dogs respond so well to training is that every dog needs someone to look up to. The social order of dogs is such that every dog must have a leader or be a leader. If you don't step up to the plate as leader, your dog will either appoint himself to the job (bad) or if he doesn't have the temperament of a leader, he may become an insecure mess (also bad). Dogs who are trained know that their human companions are in charge, need to be respected, and have things under control. This creates peace of mind for the dog and a pleasant living experience for the person.
For the past several thousand years, human beings have asked dogs to work for them. Look at all the different dog breeds out there and the myriad jobs they were bred to do: herding, guarding, hauling, hunting. Each of these tasks requires a dog who is enthusiastic about his job. But in our modern society, dogs often find themselves without a job. For some dogs, depending on age, breed, and individual temperament, it's a bigger problem than for others. A young, active Border collie without a job will bounce off the walls, while an elderly Pomeranian without regular tasks will be only mildly bored. For dogs who like having something to do, training is a great way to fit the bill. A dog who is trained and can perform even simple tasks like sit and stay is a dog who sees himself with ajob to do.
You may even decide to get him involved in a canine sport, which can simulate the work his breed was developed for. Herding dogs, gun dogs, and northern dogs often find satisfaction in herding trials, field trials, and recreational sledding. This makes for a happier dog, who is less likely to look for other, less appropriate ways—like chewing up your couch or herding the kids around the yard— to spend his time and energy.
One of the reasons dogs respond so well to training is that every dog needs someone to look up to. The social order of dogs is such that every dog must have a leader or be a leader. If you don't step up to the plate as leader, your dog will either appoint himself to the job (bad) or if he doesn't have the temperament of a leader, he may become an insecure mess (also bad). Dogs who are trained know that their human companions are in charge, need to be respected, and have things under control. This creates peace of mind for the dog and a pleasant living experience for the person.
For the past several thousand years, human beings have asked dogs to work for them. Look at all the different dog breeds out there and the myriad jobs they were bred to do: herding, guarding, hauling, hunting. Each of these tasks requires a dog who is enthusiastic about his job. But in our modern society, dogs often find themselves without a job. For some dogs, depending on age, breed, and individual temperament, it's a bigger problem than for others. A young, active Border collie without a job will bounce off the walls, while an elderly Pomeranian without regular tasks will be only mildly bored. For dogs who like having something to do, training is a great way to fit the bill. A dog who is trained and can perform even simple tasks like sit and stay is a dog who sees himself with ajob to do.
You may even decide to get him involved in a canine sport, which can simulate the work his breed was developed for. Herding dogs, gun dogs, and northern dogs often find satisfaction in herding trials, field trials, and recreational sledding. This makes for a happier dog, who is less likely to look for other, less appropriate ways—like chewing up your couch or herding the kids around the yard— to spend his time and energy.
