From The Rock

Are you concerned that training you dog will break the bond that you two have built? Do you just accept the fact that you have to keep your dog locked up because of aggressive behavior toward visitors, including your four year old’s friends? Do you also accept the aggravating howling and moaning when you take your dog for a walk? Is all of this actually acceptable behavior for a dog? I don’t think so I hate to break it to you, but even dogs have an expectation of being mannerly. The people suffering through your dog’s shenanigansdo not share your opinion that it’s cute when he climbs all over them, or damages doors.

You may find it difficult to be the voice of authority with your dog, and I can understand your feelings. Dog ownership does not make you a whip cracking tyrant, and it is a pitiful thought to think that you are the one who must teach your pet who’s in charge.

Your dilemma is that you have a misconception about what dog training really is. When we speak about dog training, we are not telling you to try to teach your dog to become human, to submit to human rules. Training is not an exercise to teach your dog that you are superior. What you are trying to accomplish through training your dog, is to improve his approachability in social situations, and enhance the bond that you two already share.

You may be wondering, “How will this truly impact my life with my pet”? This is why it is important! The bulk of our lives are spent at work, drinking our lattes, in front of the computer screen. The short amount of time we are able to spend with our loved ones and pets is often merged with a social activity. On beautiful nights after work we go for a stroll in the nearby park, or down the road to watch the latest blockbuster at our friend’s house. When our dogs behave poorly, we are hesitant to take them along on these occasions. We proceed to leave our pet at home more and more, until finally, it ceases to be a part of our lives.

Much like people, animals experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, and depression when they feel deprived of attention from you and being left to sit alone in the dark most nights.

Although you may think that training will be dreadful for your dog, you are creating a much worse situation for your pet by avoiding it. With training, you will be able to bring your pet along so that you can both enjoy the companionship.

Obedience training is a means of letting your dog cope better with it’s immediate environment. It grants every dog an easier life and makes them easier to live with. Training your dog will give you more opportunity to spend more time with your beloved pet, no matter where you are going and who you are going with.

So get in their and give your dog a nice pat and take it out for training. A few magic words like ‘heel’, ‘down’, ‘stay’, ‘come’ and ‘sit’, will change your relationship with your favorite companion forever. Good luck.