Dogs are our loyal companions and friends. They are members of our families and we want what’s best for them! We all know that they need food and water, toys, and exercise to remain healthy and happy. Something that researchers are beginning to see, however, is that they also need training. Dogs want to behave well, they just need to be taught what good behavior is.

A dog is never too old to benefit from obedience training. It is a myth that if a dog is not trained when they are a puppy that they can never learn. Dog training in Houston is easy to find. 

Dog training has great benefits for both the dog and the owner. These are just a few. 

Forming stronger bonds

Dog training allows both the owner and the dog to create a strong bond. A properly trained dog is responsive and easier to manage than an untrained dog. This allows the owner to relax and enjoy this relationship. When both parties are more relaxed they are both happier. This also builds trust. When the dog trusts that their owner will respond in a predictable way to their behavior they become more confident. 

Improved mental well-being

Dogs are eager to please. They don’t do bad things because they want to be bad. Teaching them what good behaviors you want them to have can alleviate a lot of stress for your dog. Training also lets the dog become more secure in their bond with their owner.

Positive reinforcement through ongoing obedience training gives your structure and reduces anxiety. When a dog is trained to sit/stay or heel in an unsure situation that is training them to look to their owners for direction rather than relying on their own instincts which could be dangerous to them. This can help to avoid having a dog run off or getting aggressive when they are faced with a new situation. 

Better socialization

Dogs want to be part of a pack and this means forming strong bonds of trust and love. A dog that is properly socialized as a part of their training will be less aggressive and more friendly than a dog that is not. This means that the owner can feel comfortable taking their dog out into public on walks, to dog parks, and even to pet-friendly restaurants. There are a lot of options for activities for dog and owner when the dog can be trusted to behave well in public and around strangers.

Dog training schools also often have social clubs and gatherings for participants and graduates that can help improve both the owner and the dog’s social life. More information on how dog owners can participate in social pet activities can be found at Bivvy.com.

Provide stimulation

Dogs are intelligent, active animals. They can get bored just as easily as their owners. They want to learn. Walks and playtime and toys can provide some of the stimulation that they need. However, obedience training fills their need to learn new things. Teaching them new tricks and behaviors keeps the dog engaged in ways that the owner wants them to be rather than letting a bored dog potentially get into trouble.

Also, obedience classes are fun! Both the owner and their dog get to learn new things in a fun, friendly environment. The dogs are engaged with their lessons and they have the full attention of their owner. It doesn’t get much better for a dog.

Dog training offers all kinds of benefits for both the owner and the dog. It is fun and easy to get enrolled in classes and start the process of improving your relationship.