Why Train Your Dog?

Why Train Your Dog?

Training takes time, energy, and know-how, but the effort is worth it. Besides, training is fun!  A well-trained dog is mannerly and attentive.  He knows what is expected of him.  He is happier, because he has a better relationship with the humans around him.  He regularly gets the mental stimulation that training provides, and he sees his trainers as his benevolent leaders.  He is less likely to run away. He is a much safer member of the family and community. This means he is less likely to bite than a dog that is supposedly not trained. 

I say “supposedly,” because a dog with little or no human training will train himself to do whatever suits him and what is in his nature:  to bark excessively, to chew the furniture, to dig holes, chase bikes, cars, the mailman, etc.  As the Dog Scouts of America put it:

Face it, (sic) most NORMAL dog behaviors have some degree of unacceptability amongst humans. After all, they greet strangers by sniffing butts. Upon greeting a family member, they are compelled to lick the other's face. They know that the freshest, most cool water is in the toilet bowl... The whole world is just "chew toys" to them, and they have no way of knowing which things were put on earth for little dogs, and which things are irreplaceable family heirlooms. 

     

Training gives your dog’s mind something to work on.  Researchers tell us that dogs lack humans’ verbal and abstract-reasoning abilities.  But in many other respects they have the mind of a two- or three-year-old human child.  Deprived of training and other mental stimulation, they suffer from horrible boredom; this is one of the reasons that so many of them get into trouble when left alone.  The public expects modern zoos to provide toys and a stimulating environment for its animals; we certainly should do no less for our pets at home!  

A trained dog gains more freedom, not less.  For example, once he is thoroughly house-trained, he can obtain the run of the house.  Behaviors of an untrained dog, like chewing up upholstery or soiling the carpet, can get him permanently banished to the back yard (where no dog should have to be).  Once he knows how to take treats nicely, he can accept little rewards from old men, toddlers, and all manner of people he meets (and if you are wise, you will carry some treats with you on outings for this purpose).  Once he knows how to behave calmly around guests without jumping up, he can hang out with his family when company visits instead of being locked up in a back room.  He can relieve stress, have fun, and stay trim and healthy by playing games like fetch and tug.  Advanced training can even allow you and your dog to compete in some fun dog events, like Agility or Flyball, mentioned elsewhere on this blog.  Training can even save your dog’s life.  An untrained dog is more likely to run in front of a car and be killed.  He is even more likely to bite someone and lose his life through euthanasia at the decision of his owner or even a judge.