“Holly came to training a bit anxious and very barky. She left training a happy, confident dog who eliminated anxiety barking completely. During her program, she learned essential cues such as PLACE, LET’S GO (walking nicely on leash), LEAVE IT, COME, FOCUS (looking off distractions and focusing on the handler), and QUIET (cue to stop barking and settle). Holly exceeded expectations in training, and in just 30 days, she was loose leash walking, socialized around people and dogs, confident, had reliable recall, and no longer barked at other dogs or the TV. Great job, Holly! I’m really going to miss watching Animal Planet on TV with you to help you learn to not bark at other dogs.” – Olivia S. (Cockeysville Dog Trainer)
Why Training Dogs is Important
Training is a vital aspect of a dog’s life and well-being. It goes beyond teaching them basic manners; it enriches their lives and strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners. A well-trained dog is not only a joy to be around but also safer and happier. Training helps to:
- Prevent Unwanted Behaviors: Through training, dogs learn to replace undesirable behaviors with more appropriate ones. For example, Holly learned to stop barking anxiously and instead focus on her handler’s cues.
- Enhance Safety: Commands like COME and LEAVE IT can prevent dogs from running into dangerous situations or ingesting harmful substances. Reliable recall ensures that dogs can be called back to safety in any environment.
- Boost Confidence: Structured training programs, like the Honors Training at Best Friends Fur Ever, build a dog’s confidence by providing clear guidance and positive reinforcement. Holly’s transformation from an anxious, barky dog to a confident, well-behaved companion is a testament to this.
- Strengthen the Human-Dog Bond:Training is a collaborative process that fosters mutual understanding and trust. Dogs learn to look to their owners for guidance, and owners learn to communicate effectively with their dogs, enhancing the relationship.
The Importance of Learning Cues
Cues are the building blocks of effective communication between dogs and their handlers. Each cue serves a specific purpose and helps dogs navigate the world around them. Here’s why it’s crucial for dogs to learn these cues:
- PLACE: This cue teaches dogs to settle in a specific spot, which is useful in various situations, from reducing excitement at the door to creating a calm environment during family meals.
- LET’S GO:A cue for walking nicely on a leash ensures that walks are enjoyable and safe for both dogs and their owners, preventing pulling and erratic behavior.
- LEAVE IT: This command can be life-saving, stopping dogs from picking up dangerous objects or engaging with potentially harmful situations.
- COME: Reliable recall is one of the most important cues, ensuring that dogs return to their owners promptly when called, which is essential for their safety.
- FOCUS: Teaching a dog to look away from distractions and focus on their handler improves their ability to listen and respond to commands, especially in stimulating environments.
- QUIET: This cue helps manage excessive barking, leading to a more peaceful home and better relationships with neighbors.
At Best Friends Fur Ever, our Dogversity Honors Training program is designed to equip dogs with these essential skills, ensuring they become well-mannered, confident, and happy companions. We’re proud of Holly’s achievements and look forward to helping more dogs and their owners experience the benefits of professional training.