The Benefits of Dog Training

 Dog training has taken many new shapes in recent years and all the different tools and styles can feel overwhelming. The good news is, with the influx of resources and learning options, there’s a training style that is best for what your dog needs. Whether you have a new pup or an older dog, you can always teach a dog new tricks. Beyond impressing your guests at dinner parties, there are several benefits of training.

1. Creates Good Habits


Training your dog helps them create good habits. For example, if you train your dog to sit when they hear a knock on the door, you’re showing them the behavior you expect when a guest arrives, they aren’t jumping on anyone with their muddy paws, and they’re slowly forming a habitual response to a knock on the door. Alternatively, if you aren’t showing them what they should be doing, they’ll follow their instincts and likely behave in a way that most humans don’t accept. Without guidance, they’ll continue to exhibit bad behaviors and turn those into habits.


Basic commands like Sit, Stay, Come and Leave It can be taught at home and dissuades your pet from engaging in unwanted or unsafe behaviors. Having these commands to redirect your pet can be pivotal in avoiding dangerous situations. Boundary training, for example, can be what saves your dog from running out of your backyard and into oncoming traffic.

2. Creates a Bond Between You and Your Pet


One of the biggest benefits of training your dog is bonding. By dedicating time and effort every day, you’re building engagement and eventually, your dog will look to you for guidance and potentially even entertainment!


Many “working” breeds appreciate the opportunity to show off and please their owners with new skills. Learning new tricks or obedience cues gives them a sense of purpose, ultimately enriching their lives and enriching their relationship with you.

3. Provides Mental Stimulation


As mentioned, some dogs need to “work,” but all breeds need both physical and mental exercise or “canine enrichment.” The term canine enrichment refers to any activity that stimulates a dog’s senses and gives them the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors like sniffing, digging, chewing, playing and running.


Although not all of these are related to training, training exercises often tick a lot of these boxes. For example, training recall involves your dog running back to you. In this scenario, you're teaching your dog to effectively return to you while also providing them with an opportunity to run! In an alternative scenario, like an in-person training class, dog trainers often suggest bringing enrichment activities, like a long-lasting chew, to enjoy in between reps. In these situations, you’re keeping them calm in a stimulating environment, rewarding them with enrichment, and training all at once!

4. Allows Your Pet To Be Welcomed Into More Environments and Situations


Who doesn’t love bringing their buddy to brunch? With training, you can take your dog to more places, from playing with others at dog parks, to sitting calmly next to you while dining out. The more you train, the more confident you can feel bringing them to public spaces.


It can be as simple as training them not to jump on the couch so they’re welcome at your in-law's new house, or as complex as public access training a therapy dog so they can greet patients in a hospital. The options are endless, and getting the opportunity to socialize will bring joy to you both.

5. Helps Them Stay In Their Forever Home


Unfortunately, many dogs are surrendered for unwanted behavior when they’ve had no training or guidance toward good behavior.


Once you train your dog, you will have better control over your pet and find them much easier to manage. Instead of being frustrated with unwanted behavior, you’ll have a family member who meets your expectations and knows how to behave at home.

Learn How to Train Your Dog Today!


Looking for tips to start out? Many of our Thrive Pet Healthcare clinics have training staff or relations with others who can help you and your pet communicate closer and train better. No matter your approach, taking the first step is all you need to start teaching your dog how to be their best! 

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