WHY SHOULD I TRAIN MY DOG?

Every dog deserves an education!

Obedience Training is the foundation for establishing a better relationship between you and your dog.  It's one of the best things you can do for your puppy and yourself! 

Obedience training doesn't solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem.  Training opens up a line of communication between your and your dog.  Effective communication is necessary to instruct your dog about what you want her to do.  You can teach her anything from "STAY" (don't bolt out the door) to "SIT" to "OFF" (don't jump up on the visitors)!

Dogs are social animals and without proper training, they will behave like animals.  They will soil your house, destroy your belongings, bark excessively, dig holes in your yard, fight other dogs and even bite you.  Nearly all behavior problems are perfectly normal canine activities that occur at the wrong time or place or are directed at the wrong thing.  For example, the dog will eliminate on the carpet instead of outside;  the dog will bark all night long instead of just when a stranger is prowling around outside; or the dog will chew furniture instead of his own toys.  The key to preventing or treating behavior problems is learning to teach the dog to redirect his natural behavior to outlets that are acceptable in the domestic setting!

Puppies don't come into this world knowing the English language or understanding "the rules of the house".  It's up to us as the humans to teach them!

Obedience training is also an easy way to establish the social hierarchy.  When your dog obeys a simple request of "Come" or "Sit", she is showing compliance and respect for you.  It is NOT necessary to establish yourself as "top dog" or leader of the pack by using extreme measures such as the so-called "alpha roll-over".  You CAN teach your dog her subordinate role by teaching her to show submission to you in a paw raise (shake hands), and roll over or hand lick (give a kiss).  Most dogs love performing these tricks (obedience commands) for you which also pleasantly acknowledge that you are in charge.

Obedience training should be fun and rewarding for your dog.  It can enrich your relationship and make living together more enjoyable.  A well-trained dog is more confident and can more safely be allowed a greater amount of freedom than an untrained one. 

Some people debate whether or not it is possible to train puppies, and others ask whether it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks.  The answer to both questions is an unequivocal YES!  Whatever the age of your dog, the right time to begin training is now!  The most important time in your dog's life is right now.  Your dog's behavior is constantly changing.  A dog that is well-behaved today will not necessarily remain that way forever.  New problems can always develop.  Existing problems can always get worse.

This is where we come in.  It can be challenging and frustrating to get these desired results when you don't know where to start.  We are gentle experts at what we do and can make this path easy and comfortable for both you and your dog!