How You And Your Pet Can Benefit From Obedience Training

Your little (four-legged) bundle of joy. Your furry friend. Your best mate. Whether you live by yourself or with your own family, a dog is a welcome addition to any household. Dogs are called man's best friend because they have the uncanny ability to pick up on human emotions and they seem to know the appropriate gesture to give their humans.

For many dog owners, their pet's big eyes and wagging tails are enough reasons to forgive any little mischief they commit. However, one of the major mistakes humans commit when it comes to pets is to treat them like humans. Of course, pets deserve love and affection along with nutritious food and plenty of exercise, but smothering them with affection is just part of the equation. To ensure that your pet is disciplined, it is necessary for him or her to undergo obedience training.

Each dog is unique. While some breeds have boundless energy and are headstrong, some breeds are docile and eager to please their humans. However, a dog's specific breed is just a general guideline of its temperament. All in all, a dog's personality is a combination of nature (the traits of its breed) and nurture (the combination of affection and discipline).

Dog trainers have varying philosophies when it comes to training pet dogs but enrolling your pet in obedience classes can benefit both you and your dog. Most pet owners are enamoured by the cuteness of their puppies that they let them get away with unwanted behaviour like jumping at people, chewing at shoes and furniture or stealing food. The problem arises when your pet has outgrown its cuteness and the problem turns into a nuisance, or worse, a dangerous behaviour.

By enrolling your pet into an obedience class, you nip your pet's bad habits in the bud and reinforce those that are good. At the same time, you establish a stronger bond with your pet. This is also the perfect opportunity to socialise your furry friend with other dogs and humans. Socialisation is important, particularly among puppies, as this can minimise aggressive behaviour against other animals and humans.

There is no set age when your dog should receive training. While it is ideal to start obedience training for your pet when it is still a puppy and has a more malleable behaviour, older dogs can benefit from attending dog training. This type of class is particularly helpful if you have decided to rescue a dog instead of buying a new puppy. The problem with acquiring a rescued dog is that it may have picked up unwanted behaviour from its previous owner. By undergoing an adult dog class, you and the trainer can rectify unwanted behaviour while further establishing your bond with the new pet.

At the end of the day, dogs are animals. If you let them be, their instincts will take over. This can lead to embarrassing behaviour, or worse, it can endanger guests and loved ones. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to have your dog undergo proper obedience training.