Benefits of Dog Training, Socialization and Exercise
By: Susie Aga
I would like to share my professional opinion on the benefits of dog training.
Through training you will build a strong lifelong bond between you and your dog.
A well-behaved dog is more likely to become an active member of your family.
Well-socialized, trained dogs make it easy for you to take them on vacations,
to parks, and on visits to family members’ homes without it being stressful for
either of you. Training requires consistency, motivation and timing. The main
thing most people do not realize is that the training is for the owner as well
as the dog.
Dogs cannot think like we do, but we can surely think
like them; we just need to learn how. Dogs are pack animals, and in their pack
there is always a leader, the Alpha. We just need to understand how to become
an alpha. Communication is the key. The alpha dictates everything to the pack;
she/ he will teach boundaries as well as what is acceptable and what is not.
If we train like we are the alpha then it is instinctual for the dog to understand
that we are in charge.
Socialization
Builds your dog’s temperament, and an even-tempered dog is less likely to be
aggressive or fearful and will have fewer behavioral problems. Dogs that have
been exposed to many different people, places and objects are much easier to
train as well. If dogs are not exposed to different places, people, terrains and
objects they can build up a fear of anything new or of any change in their routine.
Always make sure your dog is fully immunized before you start any socialization.
Check with your veterinarian first before any socialization occurs. People do not
realize that dogs must be exposed to as simple a thing as sand, for example. I
had a client call me while on her vacation; she was stunned that the dog she
thought was well-socialized would not get on the beach. Her dog was scared of
the sensation of her feet sinking into the sand. Now she remembered I had told
her to take her puppy to sand early on, so there would not be an avoidance of
it later in the dog’s life. She found out the hard way that socialization has
many forms, shapes and textures. Another example involved a lady that moved into
a new home where there were 4 stair wells. One was outside off a deck and you
could see through to the other side, a very scary situation for some dogs. Now
the dog is 2 ½ years old and does not know how to go up or down stairs. The
importance of socialization is tremendous. The main thing we all want is a
well- mannered, well-behaved dog, and this can be accomplished through
Socialization and Training.
Exercise
Dogs build up a level of stress and energy everyday which can determine how
they interact with you, your kids and other dogs. Exercise releases stress
and energy. Your dog needs exercise every day for this release. A bored dog
can become a "bad dog", whereas an exercised dog leads to a calm, well- behaved
dog. Remember, an exhausted dog does nothing wrong! One form of exercise is
getting your dog interested in a ball or Frisbee. Find places (if you do not
have a fenced back yard) to allow your dog to run. Long walks are helpful, but
running releases the most amount of energy and stress. Allow your dog to have
"dog time" where he/she can just be a dog, and run, jump, play, chew and dig.
Most of a dog's natural behaviors are what we want a dog not to do; seems a
little unfair, don’t you think? Dogs naturally greet one another by jumping,
mouthing, and smelling. Within their pack the greeting is a big deal. There is
competition for attention, and that naturally raises the dog’s energy level.
You can teach a dog another way to greet you besides jumping, through training
and consistency. Dogs are social animals and want to be with their "pack"- you
are their pack. Have fun! Exercise, Socialize and Train your dog and the rest
is simple!
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Article Source: www.articlecity.com
About the author Susie Aga
About the author Susie Aga
Atlanta Dog Trainer
www.atlantadogtrainer.com
770-754-9178
Susie Aga is a Certified Canine Behavior & Training Specialist who received her certification
from Triple Crown Academy, a world leader in pet education. She has 20 years experience
and is recommended by over 35 Veterinarians in the Metro Atlanta Area. Susie was chosen
by Turner Broadcasting to be their featured Pet Expert.
You can find her on their web site: www.tbs.tv/stories/story/0,,34516|324014|0,00.html
Susie is a member in good standing with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Her
training includes, but is not limited to, Basic through Advanced Obedience, Off Leash,
Agility and Behavior Modification. Susie’s specialized training includes Special Odor
Detection, Search & Rescue, Tracking and Protection Work.
She has four rescue dogs of her own and donates much of her time and services to Rescue
Organizations. You can truly say her life has gone to the dogs and that is just the way
SHE WANTS IT!
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