Dog Training Education

I am a good dog.  I don't jump on people or pee in the house.  I don't bark or run out of the yard.  But I also don't like to walk on a leash.  I have a big back yard to run in.  Why would I want to wear a leash?  And I don't always sit when Mom tells me to.  So I guess I'm not a well-trained dog.  Mom used to have dogs like me that she took to shows and they were well-trained.  But I'm not a show dog.  I'm just for play.  So I guess it doesn't matter if I'm well-trained - does it?

Actually, it does.  I am not leash trained because I rarely leave our house except to go to the vet.  And then, Mom puts the leash on me, but she always carries me so I don't actually walk on the leash.  But she still trained me a little.  She taught me to go outside to do my business.  She taught me that it's not nice to jump on people.  She taught me not to run out in the road even though we live in the country and there isn't much traffic.  And she taught me to sit still for pictures and to wear the silly things she makes me wear without fussing.

Learning to do all this may sound like hard work.  You're right.  It was.  But it was also fun!  I got to spend special time with Mom and she would give me treats when I did things good.  Who doesn't like treats?!  And Mom and I have our own special friendship now that she doesn't have with Dad's dogs.

You might think you don't need to train your dog.  But even if he is like me and doesn't need lots of training, you should work with him.  We want to learn.  We are eager to please you.  We just need you to show us what you want us to do and how you want us to behave.  And teaching us to follow simple commands like "sit" and "stay" may actually help keep us safe.

There are lots of different theories on how to train your dog.  Mom said we aren't going to discuss all of them here.  She said she was more interested in the "why" instead of the "how."  Too many dogs are taken to shelters because their owners don't train them and then get mad at them when they don't behave.  But we are no different than your children.  You teach them right and wrong.  Why don't you teach us too? 

Some people think training should only consist of rewards and positive reinforcement.  Others say it is not only okay, but necessary, to discipline your dogs when the misbehave.  Mom has never hit me but then I am a good dog.  Regardless of what training method you choose, it is important to teach your dog how to behave properly for your household.  You must decide what behavior is desired and teach it to your dog.  For example, Mom has a friend who thinks we should not be allowed up on the furniture.  Her dog is trained to stay off the couch.  But Mom says the couch is for me to sit on and look out the window when she is not home.  She has a cover on it that protects it from getting dirty.  She does not care if I jump up there to sit or sleep.  In our house, that is acceptable behavior.

There are lots of places to learn how to train your dog.  So go to the library and get a book.  Buy a DVD.  Look online for information.  Enroll you and your dog in training classes.  But do train your dog in the basic things he needs to know.  You'll both be happier.

January is Train Your Dog Month

Of all the dogs at Oak Valley, I am the only one that Mom actually paid money for.  The rest of our family came from various shelters. 

Mom expected some behavior problems from me when I first came home.  After all, I was only a few weeks old and didn't know any better.  But the dogs from the shelter were all much older.  You would expect they wouldn't be too much trouble.  Not so!  In some cases, they misbehaved worse than I did when I was a puppy! 

According to the Humane Society of the United States, between six and eight million dogs and cats are turned in to animal shelters each year, and about four million are euthanized for lack of good homes.  If the behavior of our shelter dogs is any indication, I can understand why!  Who wants a dog that isn't housebroken, or constantly chews things, or is too aggressive?  What is really sad is that most of these behavior problems could be solved with a little training and socializing.  Fortunately, Mom and Dad understand this and take the time to work with us.  Not all dogs are as fortunate.

Training doesn't have to elaborate to be effective.  All we need are the basics.  Almost any of us can learn to sit and stay.  And once we have learned to do this, we are less likely to jump on people or be a nuisance.  Now we can truly be part of the family!

Of course, if you want to teach us more, some of us are eager to learn.  We dogs can be taught to do all kinds of things.  Gypsy can dance.  Ginger used to herd.  Dusty was a hunter and pointer.  There are dogs that play Frisbee.  Mom and Bob even told me about dogs that can surf.  I don't do many tricks but I do know how to sit and stay.  I'm so cute, apparently that's enough to make Mom happy!

January is Train Your Dog Month.  That makes it the perfect time for dog parents to learn how to train their dogs.  There are lots of ways you can learn.  Books, DVDs, and even online videos are available.  Please remember that we want to learn so any training should be humane.  Most of us will do anything to please you for some praise and a small treat.

If you don't want to learn to train us yourself, you can always attend a training class or hire a professional trainer.  This will cost a bit more than doing it yourself, but takes less time than doing it yourself.  But the time spent training your dog personally will be time well-spent.  It will give you and your dog a chance to bond and play.  If you do hire a trainer, remember there is no certification required.  That means anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, even if they don't know what they are doing!

Take time to train your dog.  We'll be better behaved.  You'll be less stressed.  And we'll both live happily ever after.

For more information on dog training, contact the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, who have proclaimed January as Train Your Dog Month.