In my experience as a dog trainer over the past years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible transformations that occur when dog owners commit to consistently training with their dog.
In this article, and in partnership with Mel from No Fluff Petcare, I’d like to explore some of the benefits of training your dog, highlighting the positive impacts of positive reinforcement and the importance of regular dog walking.
- Bonding and strengthening relationship: Training improves communication and understanding between you and your dog. Effective training relies on building trust and understanding, which in turn strengthens your bond and the relationship that you have with your dog.
- Mental stimulation: training requires your dog to problem solve, think and learn. By engaging your dog’s mind regularly, you will reduce boredom and therefore any behaviour problems that come along with an under-stimulated dog (we all get tired of chewed-up furniture at one point ;)).
- Exercise and freedom & health benefits: having a well-trained dog that responds to cues reliably, will allow you to trust your dog and allows them more freedom during exercise to explore. Similarly, well-behaved dogs on the lead are easier and more enjoyable to walk in general, leading to more pleasant experiences for yourself and your dog walker. In addition, many training activities require your dog to move and increase their heart rate. Like humans, movement and cardiovascular exercises contribute to your dog’s overall well-being and health.
- Behaviour management: training allows you to direct your dog to do appropriate behaviours when they might otherwise choose an inappropriate behaviour. By teaching your dog simple things, like loose lead walking, or “leave it” we are better able to navigate our walks and help our dogs to remain calm and focused in the presence of distractions.
- Better control & safety: training with your dog will build your confidence in handling your dog, which will help you feel calmer and in control of your dog in many situations. Having a dog that understands basic manners and skills such as “keeping all four on the floor” and “stay” means you can keep your dog and others safe at all times.
- Last but not least – A happy dog walker: training your dog the basics allows those who spend time with your dog to enjoy the interactions too, as they can communicate effectively with your dog to manage them outside of the house. This means your dog can come home from their walks, enriched, exercised and well-loved.
The best road to developing an everlasting strong bond with your dog is largely dependent on training with your dog, but it really requires a holistic approach. The time you spent at home with them counts just as much as the time they spent with other people, and carers such as dog walkers. I’m even willing to go as far as to say that diet is also an essential pillar in managing the overall health and happiness of your furry friend.
In conclusion, you as a pet owner are the most important pillar in raising a well-rounded dog and forming a great relationship. In addition to this, make an educated decision on what diet benefits your furry friends’ health the best and last but not least: choose your village carefully, your puppy friends, vets, groomers, dog walkers and pet sitters.
About the Author: Jenny (Problems on Paws)
In 2019, Jenny took the leap and quit her full-time office job to follow her dreams. She started off dog walking, but her real passion is dog training. She has started her own dog training business and has been active in it since March 2020, helping owners just like you to get the well-behaved dog they have always wanted.
Her inspiration is her own dog who, after getting attacked at a dog park, ended up showing reactivity issues on walks.
Jenny’s training methods are aversive-free and positive reinforcement based, backed by science. She will couple your best friend’s walk with simple training, working on loose leash skills and basic obedience all while having fun and getting your dog out to experience the world. Find out more about training with Problems on Paws.
Looking for your Village?
Our team consists of dog walkers who specialise in private dog walks. We are experienced in taking doggies on solo dog walks that are customised to their requirements. Enquire about our training walks, where we take a holistic approach and work with you and a dog trainer to consistently work towards your goals. If you’re interested in booking an introduction walk with one of our team, please reach out to Mel for more information and availability!