Owning a dog is one of the greatest rewards in life. It can bring lots of joy, comfort in times of grief, constant companionship, and unconditional love. But if your dog has anxiety or behavioral issues or is aggressive, it can cause all kinds of stress for both you and your dog. Ensuring your dog behaves appropriately is not only beneficial to both you and your feline but is the responsibility of every pet owner. All breeds, ages, and temperaments can benefit from various types of dog training. Here are reasons why you may want to consider enrolling your best friend in obedience training.
Can Alleviate Anxiety
Does your four-legged friend bark excessively, pace back and forth, scratch at doors, or destroy household belongings such as furniture? These are all signs your dog suffers from anxiety. There is a multitude of reasons why this could be happening. First, some breeds of dogs are more predisposed to bouts of anxiety and are less social. A dog’s brain is not wired to think about whether or not they are behaving. The good news is that they can be trained. Other factors that can cause bad behavior in pups include:
- Having multiple owners throughout their life.
- Lack of exposure to new surroundings.
- Constant changes in their environment.
- Former abuse or improper treatment.
Proper obedience training can help your dog handle stressful situations and combat anxiety.
Improved Social Skills
Here in New Jersey, we have a ton of parks designated for our canine friends. In order to take your dog to any of these innovative dog parks, for walks, or anywhere in public, your dog needs to know how to interact with other canines and humans. Learning how to respond to other dogs and what is acceptable and not acceptable is extremely critical. Dog training can help prepare your best friend for trips to the vet, public outings, and potential boarding.
Helps Avoid Conflict
When your dog is uncomfortable around other people and animals, it can create conflict, or injury to you, your dog, or someone else’s pet. Taking your pup to obedience training can help get them accustomed to being around other dogs. It doesn’t necessarily mean they have to play with other animals, but it can help prevent them from showing signs of aggression or anxiety during the interaction.
Mentally and Physically Stimulating
Having your dog enrolled in training is both physically and mentally engaging. Learning how to behave and perform specific tasks such as sitting, kneeling, fetching, and responding offers beneficial exercise your dog needs and mental stimulation, both of which keep your pup strong and healthy.
It Can Make Boarding Your Dog More Successful
If you’ve ever had to cut a vacation short because your dog wasn’t handling being boarded appropriately, then you will understand how critical this is. A successfully trained dog will also follow the rules of others when you are not around.
Helps You Understand Your Dog Better
Puppy training is about more than just helping to relieve your dog’s anxiety and obedience. It can also help you better understand your pup and its needs. Many people do not realize that their own actions can cause a dog to become anxious or act out, and most training services offer advice for frustrated dog owners.
How Old is Too Late for Dog Training?
Most people think that if you haven’t enrolled your pup in training while they are young, it is too late. That is not the case. While puppy training during their adolescent years is still a great time for your dog to learn, like humans, they can still be taught at any age. Dogs are predisposed to curiosity and the willingness to learn at any age. So, while an older dog may have been behaving badly for longer years, it is never too late to train them.
It’s Important to Find the Right Trainer
Often it can be hard to find the right dog trainer. Pet professionals often go by different titles, including behavior counselor, pet psychologist, and pet trainer. Finding the right professional dog trainer is like finding the right therapist. Certain trainers are going to bond better with your dog than others.
Why Metro K9 is Your Ultimate Obedience Training Solution
At Metro K9, we have been working in the dog training field in Randolph, New Jersey, for over 30 years. Our owner has trained thousands of dogs around the globe and including for law enforcement agencies. Metro K9 is a proud member of Service Dogs of America (SDA), Schutzhund USA, AWDF, the SV, and the American Boarding Kennel Association. With us, you can be assured your dog is in knowledgeable, compassionate hands.
We offer a variety of different puppy training and dog training programs throughout New Jersey, including individual and group programs. Visit our website to learn more, fill out our contact us form, or give us a call at 873-245-9910 today.