Dog Training Shows How Much An Owner Loves A Pet

Many people who get a dog do a poor job of researching how much responsibility is involved in owning a pet. This is especially true of people who neglect dog training.

Dogs have a natural instinct toward sociability. They’re pack animals who look to a leader, an “alpha” dog, ” to know how to behave. Good obedience training establishes the pet owner as the “alpha” dog without harshness or cruelty, so that their pet responds appropriately to other people, other pets and to the world around them.

Good training also sets up a clear line of communication between a dog and an owner. Think of it this way: Suppose you found yourself in a foreign country where you didn’t speak the language. When you try to get something to eat, to get a job or even go to the bathroom, you don’t know how to ask for what you want. All people do is yell at you in words you don’t understand.

Unfortunately for dogs, humans for centuries had an attitude that it was necessary to “break a dog’s spirit” in order to train them properly. This attitude resulted from humans’ sense that they had to dominate their animals in order to control them properly. Thankfully over the last century or so, animal experts have learned much about the natural instincts and behaviors of dogs so that puppy training has advance from this earlier, more cruel attitude.

However, all puppies go through a period of “stranger avoidance” between six and 12 weeks. This is a natural fear that develops as a way to keep puppies safe from predators. During this time puppies exhibit more “startle” reactions to sounds and sudden movements. These reactions keep a pup safe, but they also could interfere with establishing relationships with people. That’s why it best not to rush a puppy through these behavioral period. Let it get its bearings first.

Dogs that are petted and cuddle by people frequently during their first eight weeks of life tend to be better suited to living in a household as a family pet. Ideally puppies should be situated in their owners’ homes between eight and 10 weeks. By 10 to 12 weeks, puppies can be more fearful or new things and new situations, which can impede their adaptation to their new homes.

Among the basic obedience commands, “stay” and “heel” may be the most difficult for puppies to learn. Puppies are naturally full of energy and playfulness and they want nothing more than to explore. Owners who find it hard to channel all that puppy energy must develop the patience to keep practicing all obedience commands until their dogs can do them well instantly.

A dog needs his or her owner to provide discipline, patience and most importantly, love. Getting proper training for a dog as early as possible provides all these essentials for a happy life.

Dogs can become more loyal, obedient, and affectionate towards their owners through vigorous puppy training. Enroll your canine companion in some dog training Kelowna today!