Some dog owners believe that proper dog training is reserved only for those who have competition or show dogs.  But the truth is that every dog—and their families—benefit tremendously from dog training.  Equally true is that every dog can be trained—this is something we firmly believe here at Absolute K9.  In our decades of experience training dogs, we have found countless benefits for both the dogs and humans we are pleased to work with.

Here are the top five reasons to train your dog:

1. Dog training improves your relationship with your dog. Dog training is really an education for both the dog and its human family; and, as such, it fosters a harmonious relationship between them.  Dogs, like their wolf ancestors, are pack creatures.  They naturally seek a leader.  If their owners do not assume this leadership position, often gained through dog training, the dog may try to become the leader, which can lead to a host of problems. However, as you train your dog, you earn your dog’s respect as their benevolent and trusty leader.  They begin to follow your lead and respect you as the authority figure.   Both you and your canine pal become more secure in your relationship, which builds a stronger bond and ensures order in your home.
2. Training ensures that you and your dog spend more time together.  Working with your dog on behavioral lessons can be fun!  And it strengthens your relationship.  It gives the dog an opportunity to succeed and please you—which is truly what they want to do—and you gain the opportunity of learning all your dog’s quirks and abilities.  The exercise both you and your pup get during training is also a mutual benefit.
3. Trained dogs are more fun and enjoyable members of the family. A trained dog is a pleasure to have around.  A well-behaved dog is a pleasure to walk or take to the park, a pleasure to take on adventures—such as hiking, camping and beach trips—and a pleasure to own.  Dog training can literally open doors for you and your pup—you’d be surprised at how many places will admit a dog that stays near its owner, responds instantly to commands, and behaves well in public.  Just think of all the places you enjoy that might be shared with your well-behaved canine companion.
4. Training will eliminate problem behaviors such as jumping on visitors, barking, digging, house soiling, chewing, and other issues that come between you and your dog.  Training can do this in a few ways.  One, as mentioned above, training makes clear the “pack order” in your family.  Many behavioral problems stem from the dog’s uncertainly about its role in the “pack.”  Training can eliminate problems stemming from insecurity and power struggles.  Second, training can add richness and variety to your dog’s life thereby preventing boredom—which is at the root of many behavioral problems.  Overall, training helps you identify your dog’s needs and the underlying causes of its “bad” behavior, helping you also to understand and remedy these problems.
5. The last, but not least, important reason to train your dog is that it can literally save your dog’s life.  While we don’t spend much time thinking about doom and gloom scenarios, imagine this:  you are on a busy street packed with cars and other people.  Your dog slips out of its collar or is off its leash and goes dashing into the street.  You call your dog and hope that it will return safely to your side.  Now, the untrained dog may not heed its owner’s calls, oblivious to the impending dangers.  The trained dog will hear and respond immediately to your command, returning instantly to your side and be safe from danger.  This is one of the best reasons to train your dog.

Another way training might literally save your dog’s life is this:  thousands of dogs are relinquished to shelters each year because owners are not able to get along harmoniously with their dogs.  They may think their dogs are “untrainable”, exhibit irreparable problem behaviors, or perhaps they just don’t know how to provide a good environment for their dogs.  Training can solve all of these problems and prevent your dog from becoming one of the thousands that enter the shelter system, many of which do not make it out.

Dog training takes time, effort and patience, but the results can save you from:

• soiled carpet – Can cost over $1,500 to replace
• destroyed furniture – Once there is a big tear in the couch, it’s ruined!
• dog fights – Resulting in vet bills for your dog, or the other dog, in which case you may be required to pay both
• Dog bite to human – thousands of dollars in medical bills and potentially a lawsuit
• Disobedience by your dog, (chasing cars, snakes,)resulting in an injury or death

We at Absolute K9 are here to help you in your training efforts and guarantee results—even in more extreme cases of dog aggression or significant behavioral problems.  We can also help you prevent unwanted problems from developing in the first place, by helping your dog get the training it needs.   Give us a call today to speak with one of our trainers, or come by our Sorrento Valley facility to see some of our other canine students!