What's the big deal about obedience training anyway? Is it really as important as they say it is? The answer is YES!
Often times when people get new dogs, obedience training is something that seems to be optional or even unimportant and unnecessary. Opinions vary from a range of things, such as: “my dog behaves well enough, they don’t need it”, to “my dog is too young”, or “my dog only has a few small quirks, we’ll manage without it”, or even “but he’s a puppy! Those behaviours aren’t bad, they’re so cute!” Sometimes it has to do with finances, and other times owners may feel as though they simply do not have enough time.
What people tend to forget, however, is that starting proper obedience training when you first get your dog will most likely save you a lot of problems in the future – especially if you’re getting a puppy. Did you know that obedience training solves 85% of behavioural problems? Since this is the case, wouldn’t it be better to put the training in place before there was even a behaviour you needed to correct? Proper obedience training sets the foundation and tone to what living with your dog will be like in the future.
Take this for an example: when you have a child, it is your duty as a parent to teach them what is acceptable and what is not acceptable during their youngest years. We do not throw things, we do not scream to get what we want, we do not bite and we do not hit. If in their youth you let these things slide because “they are too young to be corrected”, “they are too cute”, or “I do not have the time or energy for this”, treating those behaviours when your child gets older will cause you more stress and heartache than if you were to implement those corrections in the beginning. It will also be significantly more difficult as your child has already deemed these things acceptable and it is now a part of their character make up. To erase a habit when you are young and much more susceptible to influence is substantially easier than trying to erase it when you are solidifying your character.
The exact same should be said for dogs. The younger they are (or as soon as you get the dog, if you are adopting them as an adult), is the best time to get them trained. It teaches them what is acceptable and what is unacceptable, and also allows them the comfort of knowing what is expected of them.
We understand that getting a dog is an expense in itself and that there are so many things out there that people tell you you absolutely need when getting a dog. That particular food, that monthly high-end groomer, a particular bed, crate or toy… With all those perceived needs, obedience training falls to the back burner, and then it seems there is no money left for it. However, truth be told? Fido can live without the fancy food, bed and toys. He can manage with a regular bath. He’ll even be okay sleeping on an old blanket or on the floor. What will be difficult for everyone to live with though, is a dog with an attitude problem and unruly behaviour that could have been nipped at the source with some obedience training. Although professional obedience training will always be primarily recommended, in situations where it is simply not possible, even owner-taught obedience training is better than no obedience training at all.
Christina Williams
Elite Canine Academy
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