Training your dog is a huge responsibility that can’t be underestimated. As well as basic obedience, you want your dog to be able to behave correctly both in the home and when you are out for a walk too. Find a dog trainer near you
One of the best ways to ensure your pooch perfectly behaves is to enroll it in dog training classes. Here are 5 benefits of dog training classes to tell you more.
Instils The Right Behaviors
As much as dogs are adorable, they aren’t born knowing instinctively how to behave, especially around other humans and animals. Training will teach them commands such as how to sit and recall techniques. It will also help them learn how to follow their owner’s instructions, and that they will be rewarded for doing so.
If you don’t train your dog, then many different behavioral issues could arise as they get older. They are also more likely to cause destruction to the home and be aggressive to other dogs when they haven’t been taught any different. You can avoid such problems by putting effort into their training as puppies.
Easier Than Going It Alone
Everyone would like to think they are Cesar Milan, but the reality is often very different! Even if you’re a seasoned dog owner, knowing the correct methods to train your dog isn’t always apparent. A dog trainer spends the majority of their time correcting the behavior of dogs, so why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of their experience?
Plus it gives you that external guidance that you won’t get if it’s just you and your dog. You might not even be aware that you aren’t doing certain techniques correctly if you don’t consult a trainer. Plus, the other dogs and owners you’ll meet will help you ensure you’re on the right track which you won’t get if you go it alone.
Channels Excess Energy
Puppies are cute but they can also be pretty exhausting! As they move into the teenage years, their energy really ramps up and it can be difficult to get them to settle down. Taking your dog to a training class is a constructive way they can exert their excess energy.
You may also find that you need to return to your training once your dog hits the teenage years (usually between 6 and 18 months) too. Sometimes, they need a little reminding of what is expected of them, which is where dog training classes can help.
Improves Your Bond
Dog training classes are also the perfect way to strengthen the bond between you and your animal. While there’s a lot of work involved, your dog is going to look to you for direction. You will begin the process of learning to trust each other, and your dog will start to view you as its pack leader.
Compare this with simply yelling at your dog because it has done something wrong, and it’s clear that proper training is the right way to go. Sometimes dogs aren’t being naughty on purpose, they simply haven’t been taught a better way. By spending the time to train them, you can improve both their behavior and your relationship too.
Socialization With Other Dogs
Unless you opt for 1:1 training, there will be other dogs who will also be present at your training sessions. This will help your dogs develop vital social skills that it will need throughout the rest of its life. When well trained, your dog should not show aggression towards other dogs and be able to get on well with them. This could also be beneficial later down the line if you decide to get a second dog.
Don’t forget it’s also a great opportunity for you to socialize with other owners too. If your group is particularly tight, you could even set up doggy playdates. You may end up making lifelong friends that you wouldn’t have if you didn’t take your dog to train. Plus your dog is going to end up with a bunch of new friends too!
To Sum Up
Taking your dog to training classes is one of the best ways to teach it the correct way to behave from the get-go. Trainers have years of experience and most will let you sit in on a class for free to see if it’s suitable for your dog or not.
Compared with going it alone, dog training in a professional setting is much easier and will give you a better structure to adhere to.
