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I don't often write about dog training because it's “not my lane,” but occasionally, a topic of interest catches my attention. The above graphic came through my Instagram feed, and my first reaction was, “This is dangerous!” Without the context of the original message, it appears that this graphic encourages people to focus more on their dog's perceived happiness instead of training seems short-sighted. Happiness and training aren't mutually exclusive.
When the graphic came through my feed, it wasn't clear that it referred to aversive dog training. Some dog lovers believe well-behaved dogs have been forced into submission and are only well-behaved due to fear of physical punishment.
If the only way to raise well-behaved dogs were through fear, I would also prefer my dogs to be happy. But I believe we can raise well-behaved dogs through consistent, fun training.
Why Dog Training is Important
Training my dogs is just as important as nutrition and exercise, and I maintain a balance of all three as I raise healthy dogs. Training is essential because it keeps my dogs safe, improves their behavior, and builds trust between me and my dogs.
Dog Training Keeps Dogs Safe
Dog training is crucial for ensuring everyone's safety, including our dogs. Basic training helps dogs understand and respond to important commands, such as “sit,” “drop it,” and “come.” These commands can prevent your dog from engaging in potentially dangerous behaviors like running into traffic, approaching unknown dogs or people, or eating something toxic.
Dog Training Addresses Behavioral Issues
Training helps address and prevent behavioral issues in dogs. By teaching them appropriate behaviors and providing mental stimulation, training can reduce common problems like excessive barking, destructive chewing, jumping on people, or pulling on the leash. It promotes good manners and teaches dogs how to interact appropriately in various situations, contributing to a harmonious and well-behaved pet.
Dog Training is a Bonding Experience
Training strengthens the bond and communication between dogs and their humans. It allows for clear and effective communication, enhances trust and understanding, and fosters a deeper connection. Dogs learn to recognize and respond to their person's cues, leading to a more rewarding and fulfilling relationship. Training sessions also provide opportunities for enjoyable shared experiences, further strengthening the bond between dog and human.
Are My Dogs Happy?
When determining if a dog is happy, it's essential to understand and observe a dog's behavior, body language, and overall demeanor. While each dog is unique and may have different ways of expressing happiness, here are a few common signs that indicate a happy dog:
Relaxed body posture: A happy dog will have a relaxed body posture. They typically have a loose and wiggly body, with a relaxed tail that may wag gently. Their facial expressions are soft, and their ears are in a natural position. My dogs lean into me when they're content.
Eager and engaged behavior: A happy dog will display enthusiasm and eagerness in their actions. They may eagerly approach people or objects, have a playful demeanor, and maintain good focus during training or play sessions.
Bright and alert eyes: Happy dogs have bright, clear eyes. They show interest in their surroundings and maintain eye contact with their owners. The eyes will be relaxed, without any signs of fear, anxiety, or stress.
Relaxed and wagging tail: A wagging tail is often a sign of a happy dog. A relaxed and loose wag, accompanied by a relaxed body, indicates happiness and contentment. Different dogs have different tail positions, and tail wagging can also signify anxiety; therefore, it's vital to consider the context and overall body language.
Playfulness and vocalizations: Happy dogs often exhibit playful behavior, such as bouncing, spinning, or engaging in play bows. They may also vocalize with joyful barks, yips, or playful growls, indicating their excitement and happiness.
Are My Dogs Well-Behaved?
I'll be honest; my dogs aren't perfect, and I'm okay with that because I understand that training isn't one-and-done. My dogs are situationally well-behaved and steadily remind me of the importance of daily training sessions. As a dog owner, I believe dog training should be tailored to the dog and their lifestyle.
Sit – I train a sit to make mealtime easier in a multi-dog home. We make our puppies sit before we put their dish down to encourage patience. I used to train a “stay,” but now I believe it's redundant. I want my dogs to hold a sit until released. We're not there yet.
Recall – We live on an unfenced property that borders a walking trail in a rural area. We need our dogs to have a solid recall to keep them safe. I call them back from the trail when they attempt an unplanned walk, from the neighbor's house when they're tempted to trespass, and away from wild animals (coyotes and deer).
Down – I need them to get down from the furniture while I'm making the bed and cleaning. We also have a jumper in the house, and he's learning not to jump on strangers; while I love his exuberance, not everyone wants an 80-pound dog jumping on them.
Drop It / Leave It– And, living in a rural area, there are plenty of opportunities for them to get into something they shouldn't, and I need to be able to intervene at a distance.
Are Happiness and Training Mutually Exclusive?
Trained and well-behaved dogs can also be happy dogs. While I understand the concerns of the positive-based/force-free community, it's important to remember that not everyone uses techniques that will cause a dog to fear them or shut down. When training, I want to have fun with my dogs. Making dog training fun can significantly enhance your dog's engagement, making them more motivated to learn.
Here are some ways to make dog training an enjoyable experience for your furry friend:
Incorporate Treats and Praise: Food-motivated dogs respond well to rewards (treats) in exchange for desired behaviors. Praise, affection, and play may work for dogs that are less food-motivated. When dogs associate training with positive experiences, they will be more motivated to participate and learn.
Short and Engaging Sessions: Keep training sessions short and focused to maintain your dog's interest and prevent boredom. Aim for sessions that last around 5 to 10 minutes, and conduct them in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
Incorporate Interactive Toys and Training Games: Incorporate interactive toys into the training routine, such as treat-dispensing puzzles or toys that require problem-solving. This adds an element of fun and stimulates your dog mentally.
Don't have puzzles? Save your smaller Amazon boxes and hide treats beneath them, creating a fun indoor or outdoor game like hide-and-seek, fetch, or teaching your dog to find hidden objects. Games can make training feel like playtime and foster a positive and enjoyable training experience.
Variety in Training Activities: Avoid sticking to a monotonous training routine. Mix things up by incorporating different training activities, such as commands, tricks, agility exercises, or scent games. This variety keeps your dog engaged and excited about what comes next.
Use Clicker Training: Consider using a clicker as a training tool. Clicker training involves using a small device that makes a distinct click sound to signal to your dog that they have performed a desired behavior correctly. Pair the click with a reward to reinforce (or mark) the behavior and create a positive association with training.
I also like to use a whistle when training. We live on five acres, and a whistle helps me get my dog's attention from afar.
Keep the Atmosphere Positive: Maintain an upbeat attitude during training sessions. Dogs are highly attuned to their owners' emotions, so if you're enthusiastic and happy, it will help create a positive learning environment for your dog. I never train when I'm tired, distracted, or frustrated.
End on a Positive Note: Always set your dog up for success by ending training sessions with a dancy party or other fun activity your dog enjoys. This establishes a positive association with training, leaving your dog feeling accomplished and motivated for the next session.
Be Patient and Understanding: I always remember that my dogs speak a different language. While they understand some words and my body language, I must be patient during training. Dogs learn at their own pace, and each dog is unique. Stay calm, provide clear instructions, and reward small successes along the way.
A Well-Behaved Dog is a Happy Dog
Training can make dogs happy because it fulfills their need for mental stimulation, provides a sense of accomplishment, and strengthens the bond between dogs and their humans. Through training, dogs learn new skills and behaviors, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Using treats, games, and praise in training creates a positive association with learning and motivates dogs to engage actively in the process. Furthermore, the interaction and communication between dogs and their humans during training sessions strengthen the emotional connection and trust, leading to a happier and more fulfilled canine companion.
Happiness and raising a well-behaved dog aren't mutually exclusive. As a dog owner who isn't a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist, my education primarily comes from social media. I would love to learn more ways to incorporate practical and fun dog training into my daily life with dogs. I don't care about the ideologies; I care about raising happy, healthy dogs.
