Top 5 reasons to train your dog

Alyson Brown is the companion animal trainer and behavior consultant at Mountain View Veterinary Health Center in Providence, UT.  She is a Cache Valley native, and considers herself a professional student, always on the lookout for good continuing education opportunities.  She shares life with her husband and their many critters, from horses to hamsters, all of which she enjoys training.

For many people, training their dog is something that’s constantly on the back burner, something to maybe get around to when you might have time. Meanwhile, you’re constantly after your dog to quit pulling on the leash and jumping on your guests. Your dog won’t come when he’s called and he only listens sometimes. Is it his fault? Is yelling, nagging, or maybe even the occasional shot of water from a squirt bottle or swat the only thing you can do about it?

My answer is a reverberating NO.

Ken Ramirez, executive vice-president of animal care and animal training at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, has this to say about the importance of training:

“Training is not a luxury, but a key component to good animal care. Everyone who has a pet should understand that basic fact. Training is a way to enhance the quality of life for our pets. It is far more than just teaching a dog to do a cute trick. Training is about teaching a dog (or any animal) how to live in our world safely.”

Training isn’t difficult; in fact, you’re actually doing it every time you interact with your dog, just not always the way you intend to. A few minutes before meals, during a commercial break, or when you walk in the door, and some consistent household rules is all it really takes. So here are my top five reasons to take training your dog off the back burner and make it part of your everyday life.

<strong>1. It will make your life easier.</strong> A well trained dog is easier for everyone to live with. It will be easier to find someone to care for him when you have to leave town. Your dog will be able to go more places with you and you’ll have more fun together. Take training even further and you’ll have a dog who can turn the lights off, move the hose to water the lawn, take the clothes out of the dryer, bring you your shoes (or pull them off), and even grab you a drink from the fridge. Walks will be more enjoyable for both of you. You’ll even be able to practice tricks on a rainy day to provide your dog with much needed exercise when a walk just isn’t in the cards.

<strong>2. Your vet and groomer (and neighbors, family, and friends) will thank you.</strong> Most vets and groomers are unfortunately quite accustomed to dealing with difficult pets, but that doesn’t mean they enjoy it. Teaching your dog a few simple cues, and taking practice trips to what might otherwise be scary places can go a long way to increasing your dog’s comfort. A well behaved dog might even cost you less when it comes time to pay the bill for their regular care. A well behaved, happy dog also means no complaints from the neighbors, and you won’t have to worry every time you hear the doorbell ring or you want to have a friend over for dinner.

<strong>3. It could save your dog’s life.</strong> Not only could a good recall stop your dog from running into traffic, but just a little bit of training will help keep him out of a shelter. A behavior problem, or lack of training, is one of the top reasons that many dogs are relinquished to shelters, and subsequently lose their lives. Keep your dog’s place in your family secure by taking a little time to train him. A well trained dog is safer himself, and safer for his human family members.

<strong>4. A trained dog is a happy dog.</strong> Training enhances your dog’s quality of life, the relationship you have, and ensures you spend time with your dog. Training will help your dog understand how to behave so he can stay safe and comfortable in the environment he shares with you. Many dogs spend hour upon hour in the backyard or in a kennel because no one has taken the time to teach them how to interact with people appropriately. Dogs are intelligent, social, and active creatures who just won’t be happy spending lots of time alone with nothing to do. Training provides much needed enrichment for your dog, which can help you avoid problem behaviors that arise out of boredom and a desire for attention.

<strong>5. It’s fun!</strong> Training your dog can, and should, be fun for both of you. Long gone are the days where training meant systematic corrections and long, boring drills. Training doesn’t have to take a lot of time, it doesn’t require special equipment, and it shouldn’t be boring or unpleasant. All you need is some food (your dog has to eat anyway), a toy, or something else your dog just loves, and a couple of commercial breaks during your favorite TV show. Take a few minutes before meal times, or train while you’re out on walks together. Teaching a few fun and even useful tricks will keep your dog entertained, and it might even tire him out better than a long walk.

There you have it; training is easy, fun and a necessary part of good animal care. So what are you waiting for? Get started soon and start enjoying life with your happier and better behaved dog.

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