When most people get a dog, they purchase basic supplies like a food and water bowl, a collar and leash, a dog bed and toys, dog food and treats, etc. If they don’t already have one, they find a veterinarian and possibly a groomer. But how many immediately look for a dog trainer as part of their care team? Unfortunately most people wait until their dog is misbehaving, or worse yet have developed a behavior problem, before they seek the services of a professional trainer. According to Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice President and Chief Training Officer of the Karen Pryor Academy, “training is not a luxury, but a key component to good animal care.”
Back in the day, the primary focus of training was to teach dogs to follow instructions like sit, lie down, stay and come. These, of course, are good things for a dog to know but these days there’s an emphasis on training to be much more than basic commands. It’s about preparing dogs to live in our human world. Below is a list of some of the many benefits received from a good training program:
Prevent undesirable behavior and behavior problems
Build trust
Build relationships
Build confidence in dogs
Improve communication
Provide mental enrichment
Improve behavior at home, in public places, at the veterinarian’s office, etc.
At the end of the day, aren’t these things we all want? Training is the single best way to reach these goals. It is also one of the best investments you can make in your dog’s well being.
If you’re ready to get your dog started in training but don’t know how to select a trainer, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has a Position Paper on this very subject. The best qualified dog trainers will be familiar with this document and will have implemented these industry best practices.
© Laura Hills 2024 www.thedogsspot.com
