How can your dog benefit from a well-taught obedience class

Dog training is not just about training the dog – the owner also needs to learn how to behave around their pet. The most important benefit of a dog training class is the closer bond that is established when pet and owner begin to understand each other better.

Most owners hope that their dog will be more manageable after attending obedience classes, which is often true.

Obedience classes teach dogs to greet humans politely, stay close when they are off the leash and avoid misbehaving at home.

Better behavior from the dog means that people who are naturally nervous around boisterous dogs can feel more comfortable around your pet.

Dogs that are poorly trained can even be a safety concern, particularly in breeds that have a tendency to be aggressive. Obedience classes can provide a sense of security in that owners can be confident that their dogs will not lash out at children or smaller pets. The safety of the dog is also protected when they can quickly be called away from dangerous situations, such as busy roads.

Dogs who have attended group obedience training classes with other dogs have the benefit of being able to get along well with other canines. Untrained dogs can have reactions to other members of the same species that are both unpredictable and sometimes even difficult to control. Obedience classes teach dogs to interact with each other without being aggressive or fearful.

Dog training isn’t just about controlling your dog, or making its behavior more convenient for the owner to handle. Obedience classes can establish clear expectations that help to reduce stress for your pet in unfamiliar situations. Dogs that have had plenty of experience with training are more likely to stay calm in new situations, such as a trip to the veterinary clinic or a stay in the kennels.

As well as all the practical benefits, obedience classes can be a lot of fun for both owners and pets. Dogs are intelligent, active animals that love to take on new challenges and learn new skills. In particular, high energy breeds such as Malamutes, collies and retrievers will appreciate the opportunity to get outdoors and get some exercise.

Both humans and animals can have a lot of fun during training, which is yet another reason why it is worth spending time and money on classes.

Last, but certainly not least, dog obedience classes are a chance for dogs and their owners to get out and meet other dogs and dog lovers. Once relationships have been built up, dog owners can share tips about training, local veterinary services and products for their pets.

With so many benefits on offer, it is easy to see why dog obedience classes are so much in demand. The most important thing is to choose a good teacher, who is able to control the class and provide the right level of challenging activities for each dog to complete. The best trainers understand how to use a range of methods to overcome difficulties, so that every dog and their owner can move forward towards a happier, healthier relationship.

When looking for a well-taught dog obedience class, the key is to look for recommendations from other dog owners. For owners who are not sure where to start, try taking a trip to a local park. Dogs who seem to be displaying good behaviors, including coming back to their owner when called, have probably been through some sort of training. Don’t hesitate to approach the owner and ask for a recommendation for a trainer.

Most dogs quickly adjust to the environment of a group obedience class. However, a few struggle a lot with being around other animals. For these especially nervous or aggressive pets, private training might be the best place to start before moving on to tackle a group class.