When it comes to dog training there are so many questions we receive. However, there is one question we hear all the time, and we would like to give our opinion.
"Is Dog Training necessary for all dogs?"
Is It?
As a dog trainer my quick answer to this would be yes, and believe it or not this answer is not just because I'm trying to run a dog training business. Training your dog is a bond building exercise, every time you are stood in a room with a treat in your hand and a dog staring at you covering itself in drool, this is an opportunity to train.
You see, when we start establishing expectations from our pups we start to develop a much more healthy relationship. Something we fail to recognize in todays world is that dogs are created to work. Dog's in decades gone past always had a task, be it protection, shepherding, pest control, and yes even a few just for companionship. However today we like to pretend all dogs were bred for the express responsibility of being adorable and making us Instagram famous.
If I may boil this all down into one point I would say this, dog training is not needed for every single dog. However you will never be sorry for the time spent training your dog, and the bond you build with them upon the journey. Dog's are fantastic companions and should be able to spend most of life's greatest moments with us, but due to a lack of training there are many people who can only enjoy their pups in the comfort of their own homes. Training makes the possibilities endless. Training your dog to listen off leash allows hiking, biking, canoeing, swimming, camping trips etc. Teaching your dog to be respectful in how it greets others allows it to build up relationships with your neighbors and their children. A well behaved dog is a joy and another part of the group where as a dog who cannot be controlled can sadly become more of burden than a blessing quite quickly.
In Conclusion :
"If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them." — Phil Pastoret
The rewards of training your dog are innumerable. If you are reading this I encourage you to go grab some treats and build that bond with your precious four legged family member. Enjoy the time together and start working towards the countless memories you can create with a well trained dog.