Training provides regular mental stimulation, preventing boredom and the destructive behaviors that follow it. It also gives your dog something to focus on and typically makes them happier.
A recall can mean the difference between your pup running out into the road in front of a moving car and returning to you when you call them.
Increased Confidence
When you have a well trained dog they are more comfortable in social situations with other dogs and people. They can also be more confident should they ever become lost and in need of being rehomed.
You can build your dog’s confidence with desensitization and counter-conditioning. For example, if your dog has a fear of men, have them meet male friends or family in neutral environments, at first keeping them at a distance. Use positive reinforcement and gradually decrease the distance.
When you consistently reinforce your training exercises and commands, you’ll find that you and your dog develop a strong bond. It is a great way to spend quality time together and a fun way to strengthen your relationship. This is why many people love their dogs so much!
Less Distractions
Distractions are a large part of why training can be challenging. If a dog is easily distracted, they are not able to focus on you or your commands. This is often why individualized or private training is so important for dogs who struggle in group classes or are reactive.
Start training with low or no distractions and slowly add in more until the dog can successfully ignore them. This is best done in an environment that is familiar to them and in short sessions.
Having reliable training helps keep your dog out of dangerous situations such as running in front of cars or into the street without control. Regular training sessions also help your dog bond with you, creating a trusting and respectful relationship for life.
Less Mistakes
Dogs learn by trial and error. Mistakes happen, and it’s up to owners to correct them based on positive reinforcement and clear communication. If a dog is struggling to learn behaviors, owners must not get frustrated and yell or punish them because this can create fear and aggression.
Training is a lot of work, especially for dogs who are not used to working in a structured environment like obedience classes or one-on-one sessions. However, the rewards are endless! In the long run, training can help avoid behaviour concerns that would otherwise develop into serious and expensive problems like resource guarding, barking at people or running off into the road. Training can also help prevent home accidents and nipping related to food bowls or furniture.
Better Health
The regular, positive reinforcement that comes along with training is a great form of mental stimulation for your dog. This helps prevent boredom and destructive behaviors that may result from pent-up energy or frustration.
A well-trained recall and basic cues help to keep your dog safe on walks, around other people and animals, and during car rides. Having a strong recall also makes it easier to keep your pup under control if they run off or wander into dangerous areas. To learn more about this, visit https://www.bulldogology.net/ for more info!
Training also teaches dogs to tolerate being handled by strangers, which makes vet and grooming visits less stressful. This is particularly helpful for fearful or anxious dogs. Specialized training programs teach service dogs to fulfill their roles and contribute to the health and wellbeing of individuals or communities.
Better Relationships
Dogs need to interact with their people, and regular training sessions provide this. Training is also a great way to bond with your dog while giving them the exercise and mental stimulation that they need to prevent destructive behaviours.
A well-trained dog makes it safer for owners and other people to be around them, and reduces the risk of them running into traffic or getting too close to strangers or animals who might harm them. Training can also prevent behavioural concerns like food guarding or resource aggression.
From a dog’s perspective, the world is an overwhelming place with sights and sounds that can be scary and unpredictable. Having a reliable obedience helps them cope and feel confident in their humans’ guidance. This leads to a more trusting, respectful relationship between dogs and their people.