Every family operates more smoothly if there is a set of rules. If there are no rules, there is chaos. The same goes for the family dog. The dog is part of the family; the dog is interactive with the other members of the household. If the dog has no rules, there is chaos.
Dogs are social. They want to be in the middle of the action. They desire attention and affection. Believe it or not, they also desire the predictability of rules. Dogs feel safer when they know the limits. A well-trained dog is calmer and therefore fits better into the family structure.
The Untrained Dog
If a dog is left untrained, that dog will investigate to determine what the restrictions are. A dog will make its own rules. If this happens, you may witness disruptive behavior such as:
- Putting paws on the counters/eating off of counters
- Aggressive behavior/territorial over the human areas like beds and sofas
- Getting into personal belongings, closets, drawers, trash cans, toilets and pantries
- Urinating and defecating in the house
- Constant barking
- Aggressive behavior with food and treats
Dogs do not learn proper manners without being constantly trained what is acceptable within their world.
LACK OF RULES RESULTS IN ANXIETY AND STRESS IN DOGS
When a dog is unsure of their surroundings, they become anxious. That dog will feel the need to protect their house, their yard, their food, etc. That is a lot of responsibility for your pet. If your dog knows that YOU are in control, you will protect their home, bed, food, etc…they will relax. Knowing what is expected makes humans relax and this knowledge does the same thing for your dog.
Obedience Training: The Basics
There are some things that all dogs need to learn. They need to learn the basic commands of sit, stay, down, heel and come. As the basics are learned, you can expand those into specific situations. For example, you can train your dog to sit to be fed or lay down when a visitor is in the home.
In order to learn these fundamentals and expand them into mannered behavior, the rules need to be taught consistently every day. Rewards go a long way to teaching the desired outcomes of training. Ignoring bad behavior sends a clear message that your dog will understand quickly.
Finding a Good Dog Trainer
A good trainer is the best strategy to train your dog quickly, consistently and efficiently. A good trainer will not only train your dog, but will help you, as the owner, to handle your dog in a loving yet effective approach. Finding a trustworthy and patient trainer for your dog can be difficult.
We carefully screen all of our trainers to make sure they’re qualified and will love your dog almost as much as you do. Dogs are sensitive creatures and often need a patient and loving individual to help them learn new commands. You want the best for your dog and so do we.
The Velvet Snout Caters to All of Your Dog’s Needs
Whether you need assistance training your dog, or a safe place to board your dog while you are away, The Velvet Snout offers a variety of services including dog grooming and doggy daycare to make sure your dog is cared for. Contact us today to learn more or talk with our trainer.
