Here's Why You Should Train Your Dog

Benefits of Train Your Dog

At METAK9 Academy our motto is proactivity and prevention. We constantly remind our clients that everything they do or don’t do will create a new habit. While investing in a dog trainer is a smart move to expand your skill set as an owner and get your pup on a fast track to success, we strongly encourage people to take the initiative by themselves and begin working with their dogs as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter if you're raising a wild young buck or you just adopted an old wise pup. Taking the initial steps in building a foundation of trust and connection with your companion is crucial to fostering a balanced relationship. Here are seven reasons why training your dog is absolutely critical in order to give them the life they deserve.

Communication

Training allows you to establish clear communication between you and your dog. It helps you teach your dog basic commands and cues, making it easier for you to convey your expectations and for your dog to understand what you want from them.

Safety

Training helps ensure the safety of both your dog and others around them. Dogs that are well-trained are less likely to engage in dangerous or aggressive behaviors, reducing the risk of incidents such as biting or running away. Basic obedience training can also help in emergency situations, such as recalling your dog to prevent them from running into traffic.

Bonding

Training strengthens the bond between you and your dog. By spending time together and engaging in training sessions, you build trust, respect, and a positive relationship. Training is a great way to establish a strong foundation for lifelong companionship with your dog.

Socialization

Proper training helps dogs become well-socialized and confident in various environments. It exposes them to different people, animals, and situations, reducing fear and anxiety. Socialization training teaches them appropriate behavior around others, making outings and interactions more enjoyable for both your dog and those around them.

Behavioral Issues

Training can address and prevent behavioral issues in dogs. It helps modify unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking, jumping, chewing, and aggression. By teaching your dog alternative behaviors and providing mental stimulation, you can prevent many common problems that arise from boredom or lack of guidance.

(ex. Image Credit: Pet Keen)

Mental Stimulation

Training engages your dog's mind and provides mental stimulation. Dogs are intelligent creatures that require mental exercise to thrive. Training sessions challenge their problem-solving abilities, increase their focus, and prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors.

Convenience

A well-trained dog is generally more well-behaved and easier to manage. They are more likely to follow instructions, making daily routines such as walks, visits to the vet, or grooming less stressful. Training also enables you to control your dog's behavior in various situations, enhancing their overall manners and making them a pleasure to be around.

Remember that training should always be based on positive reinforcement techniques, rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. In our opinion, there is a big difference between making a correction and punishing a dog. Before considering the use of corrections in your training regimen, a handler must understand that there are four steps to training: learning, distraction, correction, and maintenance. When using advanced training tools (e.g. e-collars, choke chains, slip leads, prong collars) it is important to first seek the guidance of a professional. Using these tools without proper understanding can result in superstitious behavior, or PTSD in your dog. It is essential to be patient, consistent, and understanding throughout the training process, as every dog learns at their own pace. Remember, dogs are mammals and like us they make mistakes.