If there’s one piece of advice I can give any new dog parent, it’s this: train your dog. As someone who has been through the ups and downs of dog ownership, training is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Let me take you through my journey and explain why training your dog is necessary.
The Early Days
I was over the moon when I first brought Bear, my mixed-breed puppy, home. She was adorable, energetic, and full of life. But the reality of having a new puppy set in within a few days. There were chewed objects (worried that she ate something she shouldn’t have), accidents on the carpet, and she disliked walking on a leash. I quickly realized that while Bear was a cute fur baby, she needed some serious training.
Building a Strong Bond
One of the first things I learned was that training isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about building a solid bond with your dog. The time spent together during training sessions helps you understand each other better. Bear and I developed a more profound connection as we navigated the sit, stay, and come basics. Training became our special time, and I could see our trust and affection grow. She and I went to this place called Zoom Room Dog Training to help us with the basics of training.
Ensuring Safety
Training is crucial for your dog’s safety. One day, while walking, Bear spotted a large dog and got spooked. I had a hand held leash (that was not around my wrist), she got away from me, and darted towards the road. Thankfully, she had learned where her home was and ran all the way home. I didn’t think she would run from me. Then, I realized I needed to do more training with her. When terrified, she didn’t hear my commands and kept running. What I learned in that moment was NOT to run after her. I had to stay calm and quickly follow where she was running to. She was sitting right by the gate, ready to go inside. Lesson learned: you must know how to recall your dog! It’s imperative to teach your puppy “stop,” “leave it,” “come,” and “touch” can be lifesaving. It gives you control and helps protect your dog from a dangerous situations. From now on I always use an over the shoulder leash for added protection, cause my girl is still skiddish around larger dogs.
Preventing Behavioral Issues
Without proper training, dogs can develop behavioral problems. In my grand-dogs case, I remember the frustration of my daughter telling me how she would come home to find her couch cushions shredded. Training not only curbed her destructive behavior but also helped with her separation anxiety. She learned that when leaving her alone, she would give puzzle toys and hidden treats to keep her stimulated while away. Also, using a nonpull harness became a tool to manage her pulling and jumping impulses, making walking on a leash stress-free.
Enhancing Social Skills
Training also plays a massive role in your dog’s socialization. Bear was initially wary of other dogs and new people. She was a rescue and didn’t know how to dog. Through training, she learned how to interact politely and confidently. We attended obedience classes, which provided a controlled environment for her to practice her social skills. Bear is sweet and well-mannered (she is still concerned about larger dogs, but we are working on it) and enjoys making new friends at the doggy daycare.
Improving Quality of Life
A well-trained dog is a happier dog. Training provides mental stimulation, which is just as important as physical exercise. Bear thrived on the challenges and puzzles that training presented. It kept her mind sharp and prevented boredom. Plus, a trained dog can participate in more activities, whether hiking off-leash or accompanying you to pet-friendly places.
Strengthening Your Relationship
Training strengthens your relationship with your pup. It establishes you as the leader and builds mutual respect. Bear looks to me for guidance and reassurance, and I know I can count on her to follow commands now. This dynamic has made our bond unbreakable and our life together harmonious.
If you’re considering whether or not to train your dog, take it from me—it’s worth every moment. The journey may have its challenges, but the rewards are immense. Training your dog is an investment in their future and yours. It’s about creating a safe, happy, and well-adjusted dog who enhances your life in countless ways. So, grab some treats, a clicker, and a healthy dose of patience. Start with the basics and celebrate every small victory. Before you know it, you’ll have a well-trained dog who is a joy to be around. You and your doggo will be grateful for the time and effort you put into training.