5 Commonly asked Dog Training Questions

Dog training is one of the most important aspects of raising a dog.

In fact, a well trained dog is by far a happier dog!

Why?

Because a trained dog requires fewer restrictions. The more reliable the dog, the more freedom he is given.

Having been working with dog owners for the past 15 years I’m constantly being asked questions.  Here are 5 common ones that often get brought up.

1. What freedoms can a trained dog expect?

The trained dog is allowed to go to soft ball games with the family and along in the car to pick up the kids from school. He can go to visit elderly family members or to friends with little children.

The sky’s the limit; hiking trails, lakes, beaches, the Pet Store, the Farmer’s Market…..you name it, he’ll be welcomed there.

When visitors arrive in your home, there’s no need to banish a well-behaved dog to another room for fear that he will be a royal nuisance.

All because a well-mannered dog is appreciated, he receives more attention and interaction from family members, visitors, and passers-by, than does the ill-mannered dog.

2. Should you invest in dog training?

Dog training is an investment in the next 10 to 15 years of your life both financially and time-wise.

If you work with your dog when he is young, you will have years to enjoy the bond that you have created with your furry family member.

Training builds communication, understanding, mutual respect and trust – a positive relationship between you and your dog.

3. What is Positive Training?

In recent years, trainers and dog owners have begun to realize the value of modern, humane training methods based on the scientific principles of positive reinforcement and reward; showing the dogs what we want rather than forcing them into submission.

Originally used with dolphins, these methods are spectacularly successful with dogs, horses, and our other companion animals.

The result is happier dogs, and a partnership between owner and dog based on respect and communication.

4. What is “Clicker” Training?

Clicker training is the application of operant conditioning techniques to teach behaviors to animals.

It reinforces an offered behavior so that the dog is likely to repeat it.

Since dogs don’t speak English, we can improve our communication with them by being clear and consistent.

The clicker (a small box that makes a “click” sound) helps dogs understand which behaviors we want from them.

The clicker makes a clear and easily identifiable sound each time it is depressed, and by consistently marking and rewarding the behaviors we want from our dogs, they will learn to repeat those behaviors again and again.

5. Who does dog training benefit?

Dog training benefits everyone, including the dog!

A well-behaved, trained dog is a pleasure to own because he can go virtually anywhere without being a risk or nuisance to others.

And don’t we all want a dog who exhibits appropriate behavior in a crowd, good manners when we have guests in our home, is reliable around children, and who doesn’t threaten other dogs or passers-by?