Should You Train Your Dog?

Should You Train Your Dog?

For many dog owners, training is a big part of daily lives with their pet. But – is it necessary? Should you train your dog, or just let your dog be a dog? Read our Holidays4Dogs article to find some answers.

Training your dog is an important part of being a responsible owner. Most dogs need guidance about how to live in our world. Dog training has, thankfully, moved on in recent decades and it doesn’t have to mean dominating, or forcing your dog to behave.

What dog training is…and isn’t.

Dog training has many positive benefits for both owner and dog. The term ‘obedience’ is used less frequently used among enlightened dog trainers. Indeed, it is as much about building a healthy bond with our companion pets, but in fair and positive ways. Dogs live very closely in human lives. They share our homes, our holidays, high-days and low days. It is therefore, important they have some idea of how to navigate – what to them – is a strange world.

Therefore, dog training isn’t about a regimented, heavy-handed approach to get dogs to do what they’re told. There are still trainers who continue to promote out-dated methods and these should always be avoided. Science-based dog training can build life skills, build bonds and avoid negative behaviours developing.

Positive dog training can bring extremely beneficial results for families with pet dogs. Studies have shown that positive dog training gets better results without damaging trust. Dogs readily associate good behaviour with positive rewards. Harsh, punitive methods should never be used in dog training.

What are the benefits of training your dog?

Training your dog can vastly improve communication between the two of you. Learning how to understand your dog’s behaviour through training means your dog will be able to better understand what you want. Classes are invaluable for owners to learn more about training, body language and communication. Always choose a forward thinking dog trainer – for tips on how to find a good instructor read our other post here.

Training can help address and prevent unwanted behaviours. Pulling on the lead, jumping up, barking etc are all natural behaviours for dogs. However, these can become problematic in certain situations. Knowing how to encourage more positive behaviours, means you can minimise certain actions turning into bigger problems.

Dog training is also important from a safety aspect. Teaching your dog to follow instructions can prevent them from running into the road, chasing livestock or, bolting through an open door, for example.

Teaching walking on a loose lead prevents accidents, injuries, or getting pulled over by an over-exuberant pooch!

When taking your dog out in public its essential – particularly these days – to ensure your dog is polite and comes back immediately when called. Teaching your dog socialisation skills will help your dog to be confident and respectful when out and about and is all part of being a responsible dog owner.

Training provides dogs with mental stimulation. By being more mentally stimulated, dogs suffer less with boredom that can lead to destructive behaviours. Having a task, or job to do, can boost confidence and problem-solving skills and, overall, makes dogs happier and more content.

Are there situations where you shouldn’t train your dog?

In general, all dogs should be taught basic skills such as sit, down, and come back when called. For some dogs, this may involve more complex behaviour modification. For example, if they are severely reactive towards other dogs, nervous of novel situations, or anxious around strangers. This can take time and many owners may need guidance from trainers experienced with these kind of behaviours.

Reactive/anxious dogs can be challenging to live with. Usually, there is no one quick-fix method and, often, the dog needs constant guidance throughout it’s life. This in itself can be stressful not just for owners – but the dogs themselves.

In these situations, it’s ok not to constantly feel you have to ‘train’ your dog. Indeed, managing your dog’s environment can become the primary goal, by making sure the dog is able to just be a dog – without the worry of external influences.

This might involve avoiding triggers and situations where your dog may become stressed and uncomfortable. Of course, reactive/anxious dogs still benefit from learning basic skills and many can grow in confidence by partaking in activities such as agility.

Final thoughts. 

Teaching your dog skills should never be a chore. While it requires patience and consistency, teaching your dog new skills – and learning about your dog along the way – is a very rewarding activity. Helping your dog develop, learn and grow creates a strong bond and a fantastic partnership. It’s never too late to start training either – because old dogs can learn new tricks too!