There are well over 90 million pet dogs in the US in 2022. This represents a significant leap in dog ownership from 20 years ago when there were under 70 million of these pets in the country.
The vast bulk of these dogs are well-bred, loving pets. However, even the cutest puppy can develop behavioral problems fairly quickly. This can result in unwanted habits and characteristics such as biting, chewing and howling.
In the US each year, there are 4.5 million dog bites of which 800,000 need treatment. These bites are in many cases from a dog guarding their family, but very often they can stem from a lack of training or even no training at all.
Biting isn’t the only reason a dog should be trained though, and there are many other valid reasons to teach a puppy early on before problems can set in.
What can professional dog training achieve?
Many trainers have different approaches, but the end goal is generally the same. The aim is to help the dog shift its mindset and socialize it so that it is calm and obedient in different situations.
For instance, Flash Dog Training offers unique training methods for puppies and dogs but the result is still to make them calmer and obedient. Dogs can become scared in social situations, and then they can become anxious and even aggressive.
Dog training can result in a dog that understands how to cope in certain situations without becoming nervous. This training is crucial for dogs that have already tried or succeeded in biting people or other dogs.
Other issues can be resolved through training too. These behavior problems can include separation anxiety, mounting, whining, and food guarding. The latter problem can stem from when the puppy had to share food with the litter and this requires a kind of reset to remove this type of anxiety.
You will receive many benefits and so will your dog if you introduce some form of dog training. Consider the following advantages that dog training brings:
Your dog will be safer
If your dog is obedient and listens to commands then they are less likely to enter a situation where they could be harmed such as running into traffic.
Your relationship will be happier
Your dog will trust you and be more loyal as you connect. Training will establish a bond, and they will follow your lead. Instead of being the one taking you for a walk, you will be in command.
Your home won’t get destroyed and will be safer
Biting and chewing furniture may seem normal for a puppy but it doesn’t have to be that way. They will be less likely to jump on visitors and get overly excited either if they are trained properly.
You will have better communication
Dogs need to keep active physically and mentally. You will be able to play and teach your dog tricks easier through better communication and understanding.
Does your dog need help from professional trainers?
There are many signs that a dog could require some expert help and professional training. But, ideally, dogs should be trained before any of these behavioral problems start showing.
Regardless of whether a dog has been showing behavior problems for years, or is just a puppy, specialist training can produce results that help with all manner of issues.
The ASPCA states that common dog behavioral problems include aggression, food guarding, biting, and barking. There are many more and quite often these will stem from fearfulness and nervousness. A dog’s aggression can make them seem as if they are angry but it very often stems from them being frightened of their surroundings or the situation they find themselves in.
How long does it take to train a dog?
Some dogs only need minor training to correct certain issues, while others may need a longer period. Some training can take a few weeks, but some programs can be conducted online.
Dog training can be about resetting the pet and the owner’s mindset. Often what is needed is for not only the dog’s behavioral problems to be fixed but also for the owner to understand more about their pet.
Many dogs can be hyperactive also. This is another area that dog training can help with. Techniques for training dogs have changed quite a lot over the years as people’s understanding of canine behavior has grown. Recent research shows that dogs’ sense of smell is connected to their vision. Clearly, there are many things to still be learned about man’s best friend.
How can you find professional dog trainers?
The simplest and possibly most effective is to ask your friends if they have used a dog trainer and what their experience was. Failing this, head for the internet.
You should find some form of professional dog training in your area, but if not there are many trainers across the states. Look for reviews and testimonials, and ask some questions. A good dog trainer will be happy to discuss your pet and its behavior problems with you. In fact, it is essential if your dog is to receive the help needed.
Qualifications are not necessary to be a dog trainer, but there are certifications and recommended lists to search through. The American Kennel Club holds a database of recommended dog trainers, and Google can show reviews against your local searches.
What sort of courses do dog trainers hold?
There are lots of new trends emerging with pet care at the moment. Telehealth marketing for dogs is one new boom area, and training is seeing some changes too.
Distance learning
One of the more modern ways to teach dogs is with the use of the internet. For those who have minor behavior problems to cope with, these short-term courses offer a convenient way to understand their dog.
Board and train
For many though, a longer, more hands-on approach is needed. Some dog trainers offer a board and train type of training package. This means staying for 3 weeks at a site especially intended to help owners understand their pet and to reset the dog’s behavior problems.
Shadow programs
These are intended to help the individual learn the same techniques and methods that professional dog trainers use. They can be taken by anyone who wants a better understanding of training their pets or for someone who has an interest in becoming a trainer.
There are also variations to these courses such as basic on-leash obedience courses for those dogs that don’t have serious behavioral problems. Some training programs may use remote collars for situations where aggression is a bigger concern.
Summary
All dogs can benefit from being trained by a professional who is experienced in behavior problems. But, some dogs require this more than others. Not everyone will want to spend 3 weeks in a dog training program, but some pets that have deep-rooted issues will need this kind of assistance as well as their owners.
Fortunately, many minor issues that stem from social situations can be resolved through shorter training programs. Talking to a professional dog trainer will help you to understand what steps to take, and what type of training program would benefit you and your loving pet.
