Dog Obedience Training 

Puppy Obedience Training: Why is it important?  

Dog obedience training is one of the most vital and most useful things any owner can do for his or her dog. A properly obedience trained dog is a contented, cooperative and not dangerous member of the family, while an untrained dog can be vicious and even perilous.

Dogs are made by nature to follow leaders, and to look for that leadership. As pack animals, dogs as you would expect follow the directions of their pack leader. In the absence of a strong leader, the dog may assume this role itself. Dogs that think of themselves as the leader of their human pack can become obstinate, vicious and even dangerous.

Proper dog obedience training opens up vital lines of communication between handler and dog. The basis of any obedience training program is to get the cooperation and respect of the animal. This respect cannot be exerted through rough handling methods or ill-treatment. It should instead be earned through guidance and proper training techniques.

It is vital for the dog to learn and act in response to basic commands. Basic obedience training consists of teaching the dog what to do and what not to do. When it comes to preferred behaviors, it is essential for the dog to learn and respond to basic commands, such as heeling when walking, stopping on command, sitting when directed, coming when called and staying where the handler directs.

The list of what not to do is also essential when it comes to obedience training. Some of the don’ts of obedience training consist of not jumping up on people, not forging ahead when walking and, not chewing the furniture or your property, and not getting out of control when exposed to novel situations.

In essence, obedience training involves establishing the social hierarchy that is so important to dogs as pack animals. When your dog follows your obedience commands, such as come, stay, sit, heel, etc., he or she is showing obedience and submissiveness. This is the same type of behavior a submissive member of a wild dog pack would show to the alpha dog in that pack.

As with any type of dog training, it is vital that obedience training sessions be fun and rewarding for both dog and handler. A happy, healthy dog will be best able to learn, and keeping the dog happy during the training sessions will make life easier for both yourself and your dog. Obedience training has many benefits for the dog as well as the handler. For one thing, a well trained, obedient dog can be permitted a larger amount of freedom than an untrained dog. For instance, a dog that has been properly trained to come when called can in safety enjoy some off leash play time at the local park.

There is constantly a debate over whether it is easier to obedience train puppies or older dogs. The fact is that both puppies and older dogs can be effectively trained to be willing, submissive companions. It is generally easier to train puppies and young dogs than it is to retrain dogs that have developed behavior problems. Even problem dogs, however, can be fruitfully retrained using basic obedience training and control concepts.

When obedience training puppies, however, it is essential to keep in mind that puppies generally have a shorter attention span than to do full grown dogs. It is vital, therefore to keep training sessions short in the beginning. It is also essential to incorporate lots of play with other puppies, dogs and other animals, as well as lots of different people. Proper socialization is very important to creating a harmless, fit and contented companion dog.

There are many obedience training classes held in all parts of the country, and new puppy and dog owners are convinced to enroll in one of these classes. Not only do puppy kindergarten and dog obedience classes offer essential structure for the dogs, but it provides important chances for proper socialization the puppy as well.