A dogs loyalty, affection and playfulness bring their human counterparts a true sense of happiness and companionship. But if they continually disobeys or exhibits behavioural issues, it can be extremely distressing – for both owner and dog alike.
No matter your dog’s breed, age, or temperament, they all can benefit from a little instruction. Here are five benefits of training your dog to be obedient:
Safety: a dog that is well-trained to obey commands can be kept safe in a variety of situations. For example, a dog that will come when called can be called back to safety if it is about to run into a busy street.
Mental stimulation: obedience training provides mental stimulation for dogs, which can help to prevent boredom and reduce destructive behaviours.
Improved behaviour: a well-trained dog is less likely to engage in problem behaviours such as barking excessively, digging, or chewing on household items.
Increased physical activity: training a dog requires physical activity, which can be beneficial for both the dog and you, the owner.
Enhanced bond: training your dog can increase the bond between you and your dog, as you work together to learn new skills and behaviours.
Obedience training usually involves teaching a dog to respond to certain commands. This type of training typically uses positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding your dog with treats or praise when it performs the desired behaviour.
Training usually starts by teaching your dog the basic commands such as sit, down, stay, come and heel. These commands serve as foundation for more advanced training. As your dog becomes more proficient at understanding and following commands, more difficult commands or behaviours can be taught.
Obedience training can be done in a group class or individually with a trainer, or you can train your own dog at home. Training can be done with a variety of tools, such as clickers, leashes, or food rewards.
It is important to note that obedience training is ongoing. Practice and reinforcement are needed for your dog to maintain the learned behaviours. However, a well-behaved dog is easier to live with and can be taken to more places, leading to better relationships with both people and other dogs.
If you are having behavioural issues, we can help you a behavioural modification program for your pet including a holistic treatment plan.
