Ambassadogs

Why train your dog?

There are many different reasons to train a dog. Dogs live in a world governed by human rules and laws. Dogs do not speak our language nor can they read however if they appear to have “broken” any of our laws or rules your dog could live a life of restrictions or even lose its life. Every single dog, past, present and future can and more importantly WILL bite in a specific set of circumstances. Do not be fooled into thinking your dog is the exception to the rule – he is not. The circumstances in which each individual dog will bite vary greatly dependent on that dog but every single dog can and will bite when their threshold in a specific situation has been reached and he feels he has no other choice. Few choose to take this path but each and every one can.

Contrary to popular belief in a situation your dog sees as threatening, your dog will not protect you. He will protect himself if he feels he has too. As his owner you should be the protector and positive training will allow him to put his faith in your ability to ensure his wellbeing meaning he is less likely to be aggressive and you will be less likely to fall foul of the law.

Training builds a bond between handler and dog that should be built on fun, reward and mutual respect. You cannot train a dog without watching him and by watching him you will learn more about your dog than any book can ever teach you. You will know his likes and dislikes; you will learn what he is fearful of and what relaxes him. You will be able to spot potential problems and deal with them before they occur. This will benefit your dog by making him more comfortable and relaxed which in return will make owning a dog much more relaxed and pleasurable for you!

Training is also just plain FUN! You can exercise your dog for miles every day. Your dog will always walk further! Mental exercises by way of training should be equal to physical exercise. Training should happen every day for the life of the dog. You do not have to teach your dog to be an obedience champion if you don’t want to.

He doesn’t care much for rosettes. Teaching Sit, Stay, Down, Wait, Recall, Stand, Leave and Drop are in my opinion the main “must haves” for most pet dogs. After that anything goes! Teach him to ride a skateboard, open or close a door, give high five…even teach him to help tidy up! Dogs love to learn and love to see us happy because that brings more good things their way.

Happy mentally and physically exercised dogs are happy content relaxed tired dogs that don’t want to play with your expensive mobile or vocalise their discontent or bounce up and down in excitement.

Happy content relaxed dogs create happy content relaxed owners!