Dog obedience training

When you first considered adopting a dog, you might have daydreamed about happy times of playing ball, cuddling while sleeping, and the dog licking your face when you arrive home. These are wonderful aspects of owning a dog, and while you may consider your dog as a playmate and family member, it’s also important and expected that your dog obeys you.

Here’s a basic guide to what this is all about and why, where to begin and what to expect once you get going.

What is Dog Obedience Training?

Dog obedience training is any type of training, from clicker training to reward training, that builds the human-dog relationship and sets rules and expectations for the dog. It can be as simple as getting your dog to obey commands such as “sit”, “stay”, and housebreaking. More advanced training can include assistance to people with disabilities and guarding people or property.

When to Start?

The easiest answer is right away. Your dog has an amazing ability to learn and is processing more information than you may know. The longer answer is as soon as he or she is interacting with your family and friends and anyone who comes over. This can be from 7-8 weeks of age.  The important take away is start early.

Dog obedience training

What’s so important about all this?

Here’s a short list of the benefits of dog obedience training:

Rules & Expectations = A Confident Dog

The rules and expectations that are set through dog obedience training makes your dog’s life very simple, with clear differences between right and wrong. This helps your dog become happy and confident, and you’ll also gain confidence in your dog because you know he’ll obey you at all times.

Keep in mind that effective training involves starting small with basic commands and working your way up to more advanced commands.  And above all, consistency is key. Set the rules, follow them and your dog will learn quicker, easier and you’ll both have fun!

Safety for Your Dog and Others

Safety is one of the greatest benefits gained from dog obedience training – both for your dog and for other humans, including children who are around the dog. You’ll be able to call for your dog anytime he finds himself in a situation that could become dangerous. For example, if your dog runs out to a busy street, you can call him back easily thanks to dog obedience training.  Other people will feel safe with your dog because he will obey all of your commands and remain calm and docile.

Mental & Physical Stimulation

Dogs, like any other animal or human, need mental stimulation. Dog obedience training provides great stimulation to your dog, giving him goals to work towards. In addition, this type of  training gives him physical stimulation through exercise.

You get the best of both worlds in that your dog is happier and loves the interaction and learning, while at the same time you have the confidence in knowing he or she obeys you on command.

Improve Your Relationship With Your Dog

You need significant time together.  For bonding, of course, but also for dog obedience training. Without at least some training, you and your dog might get stuck in a power struggle and have problems with each other.  It’s an unfortunate fact that many untrained dogs end up in animal shelters.  You can easily avoid this. With a little training, your dog will recognize you not only as it’s master but best friend, and learn to obey you at all times. You’ll become less frustrated, much happier and better able to enjoy your dog as your pet and new family member.

In all, your dog already has many generations of natural instinct that favor cooperation with their pack. Put this to good use through clear, consistent rules, mental stimulation and quality time spent with your companion in dog obedience training and you’ll have a happier, more obedient best friend.  You’ll find your dog gets along with your family better. He’ll be safer. And you’ll be a happier owner as a result.

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