We owe it to our beloved four-legged friends to train them in basic manners. While it may be difficult at times to discipline your beautiful dog with those soft brown eyes, you are actually doing him a favor if you do.
Always be aware of the effects of your dog's behavior on other people. This may be quite different to your response to what he does. We run the risk of having people dread our visits and dread visits to us when we do not train our dogs to behave. Do your best to look at the situation from the other person's point of view. What is funny or cute behavior to you might be traumatizing to others. When your large dog leaps up and puts his paws on your chest and is just about face to face with you, it can be unsettling. As his owner, you may not mind too much. This greeting at your front door after a long day at work can be so welcoming. As a visitor, it can be startling, frightening, and annoying.
Training a dog does not break his spirit or change his personality. It just makes him more socially acceptable. The love we share with our dogs is fulfilling and joyful, but it is important that it does not interfere with our human social life.
There is more to training your dog to be obedient than just making life easier for visits with your friends and family. The home advantages can be great. Don't let your love and affection for your dog blind you to the rewards of having a well-trained dog. There are advantages for your dog too!
The dynamics between you and your dog calls for a hierarchy. In other words, one of you has to be the boss. And that has to be you. The sooner the relationship of master-dog is established, the happier the both of you will be. The dog will know what makes you happy and will please you when he can. Consistency is important. That way you will not be faced with trying to explain to her the difference between chewing her ball and chewing your expensive new shoes. When she was just doing what she always did, it is puzzling for the dog to understand why you get angry with her. If you teach your dog what is and isn't acceptable to you, then he is more secure, and there is less stress in his life.
Having house rules that the dog is expected to obey is also good for his concentration. Without rules, there is no need for the dog to even think about using his brain. He can just go about his life doing whatever he wants to. Training will keep his mind stimulated as he uses it to understand the world around him. Without training, it can be a very scary place for a dog who wonders why he gets scolded for doing something he had no idea was wrong.
He will have the opportunity to enjoy dog sports such as agility and fly-ball if your dog is well trained. These activities are great fun for dogs, but he won't be able to participate unless he has the basics covered, such as sit, stay, drop and come.
More and more coffee shops and restaurants are welcoming dogs to their outdoor eating areas. If your dog has no manners, you can't take him with you when you have a coffee or a meal with friends. He may wrap his leash around the table and pull it over, or jump onto the table to help himself to the froth on top of your cappuccino. Imagine how much more pleasant it would be if you could ask your dog to stay and drop at your feet, and he did so.
Another great benefit that comes from training your dog is an improved relationship with you. If you use positive methods of training, and reward your dog for doing the right thing, you'll be better able to communicate with him. Also, as he sees you as a source of delicious treats, he will look forward to spending time together.
You will find a way to learn to train your dog that fits in with your lifestyle. Whatever way you choose to learn dog training, spend several short sessions a week practicing your training exercises, and your dog will quickly learn what you want from him.
When we do not train our dogs to behave, we run the risk of having people dread our visits and dread visits to us. There is more to training your dog to be obedient than just making life easier for visits with your friends and family. Don't let your love and affection for your dog blind you to the rewards of having a well-trained dog. Another great benefit that comes from training your dog is an improved relationship with you. Whatever way you choose to learn dog training, spend several short sessions a week practicing your training exercises, and your dog will quickly learn what you want from him.
