Dog training - we all know that it is beneficial to do it...but what is dog training? What does it mean to train your dog? Why does it benefit both you and your dog so much?
What Is Dog Training?
So the common answer to this might be "teaching a dog to do training exercises so that they are well-behaved", but let's pick that apart shall we?
Let's start with the easy bit.
Yes, dog training does involve teaching dogs some training exercises. These typically include things like 'sit', 'wait', 'stay', 'come'...you know the drill. These exercises are important but most people don't appreciate why they are important.
Sometimes we go along to a training class and the instructor is teaching you how you to teach your dog these exercises, but what's the point?
Teaching these exercises does a few key things:
Teaches you how to communicate with your dog effectively.
Teaches your dog to be able to read you and what you are trying to communicate.
Gives you some key ways to manage and keep your dog safe.
BUT! Teaching those exercises also helps your dog learn foundation skills such as:
Impulse control.
How to deal with frustration.
How to problem solve.
How to navigate their relationships with humans.
Socialisation.
PLUS! Teaching those exercises helps you to understand:
How dogs learn.
What your dog needs extra help with.
How to meet your dog's needs.
How dogs learn differently.
Taking breed type into consideration.
So, training isn't just about teaching a 'sit'. It is about building a partnership and learning together.
Dog Training Is Way Of Life
Another common thought is that we attend some training classes for around 6 weeks and then - great! - we have trained our dogs!
Dog training is something that is practiced daily in the way that you communicate and exist with your dog, not a few classes in a hall in the local village. Dog trainers are here to support you with your training journey, but that journey starts the day your dog arrives and ends the day that they leave your side.
Not only does training need consistency and practice, but your dog will have different training needs as they change and get older. The training that you do at puppy class, is not likely to suit your dog as they get older.
How Do I Train My Dog?
Dog training is a personal choice and so much depends on the individual circumstances. You may have adopted your dog to perform a certain job, you might want to get everything perfect, you may have a more chilled out approach.
Whatever your approach, choose a trainer who is going to work with you and support you to get to where you want to go. Be aware, though, that you may have to adjust your expectations along the way.
Which Dog Training Methods Are Best?
Well, this is a big subject and the more complicated bit. You'll probably have already seen the reams and reams of dog training advise that can be found online. Each bit seems to say something completely contradictory to the other!
Here at ABDT, we train with positive methods. Positive training can also be called reward-based, force-free or choice-based. Us positive trainers even get called 'cookie pushers'!
Other methods include 'balanced training' and then you get the trainers that believe in using tools such as prong collars, check chains and practice the 'alpha pack' theory.
Which method you decide to use generally comes down to morals.
To train positively is to train without the use of aversive methods, fear, intimidation or pain. Training positively is about understanding what your dog needs and working with this to help them happily fit in with our every day lives. They are our captive animals after all!
Positive training is about giving your dog choice, helping them get it right and having compassion if they get it wrong.
Where Do I Start?
Have a think about dog training and what it means for both you and your dog. Maybe set some goals or think about how you would like life to look for your both going forward. Even if you have had dogs before, there is always new stuff to learn and every dog is different.
There are so many ways to teach dogs and so many things to teach. The key is to just start somewhere and start enjoying your training journey together. Above all - have fun!
If you need any help at all with your dog or would like more help and advice, please do contact us by dropping us an email at bookings@annabalchdogtrainer.com
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