Why Is Pet Training Important?

An essential component to owning a pet is training them. It is one of the most important things that you can do for your fur baby which will have a long lasting effect on their lives. However, if you haven't trained your dog since puppyhood - there is nothing to worry - dogs are extremely fast learners and can learn new things at any age.  

The purpose of training your dog is not simply to discipline them - discipline does have a major role to play - but it helps in involving the dog’s mind to do something that will get them a positive reward. The psychology behind is that proper training helps keep your pooch stimulated and happy. 

Over the years, time has proven that pet training is the key to a healthy relationship with your furry, a happy pet parent and vice versa. Canine education is crucial and is a must in order to ensure that your dog is happy and is able to communicate to you what they want - not verbally but through their own behaviour. 

Most pet parents have a view that dog training means teaching your dog funny tricks that will make them look cute - the purpose behind training is to stimulate the mind and to build confidence. A dog who is sure of what they are expected to do will exhibit favourable behaviour for which they will be rewarded - the reward can be verbal or through treats - but it will reinforce that particular behaviour, which leads to a positive association with it and builds confidence. 

While some pet parents feel that they can train their dog on their own, many pet parents have started turning to professional trainers for help, which is the right thing to do, as a professional trainer can guide you on how to work with your dog better and what will make them learn a particular behaviour fast. Using negative reinforcement and extreme punishments are the wrong way to go  when training your furry. Lack of affection often results in demotivation, loss of confidence, fear and jeopardises the dog’s psychological health. 

Benefits of Training your Dog  

There are several benefits of training your dog. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Helps your dog behave better in external settings: Many dogs are shy or have a nervous temperament, training can help make your dog feel confident and how to be comfortable around others. Since training involves socialisation in the right amounts, it makes your dog understand how to behave socially and respect others’ boundaries. 

• Is able to follow your instructions better: When you train your dog, they learn to understand and adhere to voice instructions. When you leave your dog unrestrained, they will listen to your voice instructions if they are trained. A well-trained dog is bound to get into lesser trouble and listen to you when you say something or give an instruction. Dogs do not have a concept of right or wrong - it is training which helps them distinguish between the two. 

• Mental stimulation: A dog’s overall well being depends on the kind of mental stimulation they get. Training is a kind of mental exercise that keeps your dog from getting bored and involves them in a positive manner. 

• Build a stronger bond: When a dog goes through training, they get to spend time with you or when they exhibit right behaviour, they earn praise and love from you which helps in building a strong bond between pet parent and the furry. A trained dog has a bond of love and mutual respect with their pet parent. 

• Alleviates stress: Not training your dog is basically causing them harm in the long run. A well-trained dog will be less anxious or not anxious at all. They will know how to integrate with humans and in general be calm. Sometimes over excited dogs jump on visitors which can be controlled by training. Similarly, dogs who get fearful when someone new comes can be taught to be peaceful around them and can be segregated from visitors with a baby gate. 

• Teach your dog how to behave when alone: Whether you like it or not, there will be times when you will have to leave your dog alone. They may cry, bark or howl for hours when you are not around. They may even chew on things. This shows that the dog is not in a good state of mind. When you train your dog, it helps reinforce good patterns of behaviour and helps get rid of separation anxiety.

These were a few important reasons why you must train your dog. Are you out of time? Have to meet deadlines and have not been able to give your dog attention? Worry not, let us take care of your furry. Sign up for our at home training package where experts from Zigly will come to your house and train your dog, according to their behaviour requirement. For any pet related queries or needs, hop on to Zigly - anyday anytime!