Best Buddy Pets - Dog Training

The word 'vital' is derived from the Latin word for life. That gives us an indication why dog training is so essential for both the dog and his human companion - it enhances the quality of life for each.

Although dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, they still retain some wildness in their nature. They adapt well to life with people, but they remain canines, not small furry children. Training helps to optimize harmony and safety for both the dog and his human family.

Dogs are hunters by nature and because of this are inclined to chase things. Young dogs are especially inclined to pursue another animal, a child or a vehicle. Any one of these scenarios could result in injury or harm to your dog, a person or property. Training your companion early on to heed voice commands from every member of the family greatly reduces the chances of unfortunate consequences.

By teaching your dog to reliably follow the commands 'halt' or 'stop', and then 'come', you'll be much safer and in control when the dog responds to sudden urges and emotions. At first, it may be necessary to use a leash so that you can physically pull the dog sideways at the same time you speak the command. Avoid jerking backward against the dog's throat. Later, as your dog associates the voice command with the physical action, he will come to respond to voice alone.

This type of training will not only help ensure the safety of people and other animals, but also the safety of your own dog as well. Many dogs will chase after another who, in fact, could do them a deal of great harm. Their emotions take over - such as when another dog has entered his 'territory' - and they stop to consider, as we might, whether they have any chance of chasing the animal away. They simply react by instinct.

But training your dog is important not simply for basic safety or the avoidance of physical harm and property damage. It is in a dog's nature to be a pack animal. They will recognize a social hierarchy that is established very early in life. You must place yourself at the top of that hierarchy, for your own peace of mind and that of your dog.

Some dogs will naturally want the alpha role. That has evolutionary advantages for life in the wild. But in domesticated circumstances you have the superior understanding to predict consequences. You and your dog will be more comfortable if you never let even the most assertive dog be the leader.

Peace of mind will come from teaching your dog that, no matter how adored they are, you are at the leader. That means they must come when you command, stay when you say so and do as you direct. Among adult humans, that sort of behavior is very overbearing and some are reluctant to assert themselves sufficiently. But when dealing with your dog, it's essential.

Being the leader of your pack gives the dog a vital sense of its place in the group. He can follow your lead, secure in the knowledge that you will keep him safe from harm and well cared for. You're behaving as an alpha dog. Training is the only way to accomplish this.

Training Your Dog is Vital