Pet care: 6 reasons why dog trainers make life better for you and your dog

Pet care: Dogs can experience stress and anxiety just like you, and this often takes the shape of behavioural issues like excessive barking, destructive chewing, or separation anxiety (Image: Canva)

Adopting a pet is one thing; communicating with them is another story altogether. If your dog is trying to tell you something by wagging its tail or barking twice, you might smile but still be unsure how to respond, sometimes only realising the issue after the damage has been done.

When you have a pet, things like potty training feel like a guessing game, and commands like "sit" or "stay" seem to be met with confusion or indifference. As a dog parent, you want the best for your pet, a companion who understands you, behaves well in various situations, and most importantly feels secure in around you. This is where a dog trainer comes into the picture, bridging the communication gap between you and your furry friend and helping you both communicate better.

Here is why your dog needs training, and how a dog trainer can make a difference:

Better communication: If you’ve ever tried talking to someone who doesn’t understand your language, you know how challenging it can be. Similarly, you and your dog communicate differently. To help bridge this gap, you have dog trainers. They are skilled in teaching dogs the meaning of words and commands, which improves the way you and your dog interact. Through training, your dog learns to respond to cues like “sit,” “stop,” or “come,” making everyday tasks easier and reducing misunderstandings.

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Prioritises safety: Often, people tend to think that dog training is all about teaching a dog to obey. However, it is not just that. It is more about the dog’s safety and security. A well-trained dog is less likely to engage in dangerous behaviours such as running into traffic, eating something harmful, or showing aggression towards other animals or people. For example, teaching your dog to “leave it” can prevent them from ingesting something toxic. A dog trainer can help instill these essential commands, making your dog’s environment safer and giving you peace of mind.

Makes them social: It is important for your dog to interact well with others; both people and other animals. Though they are social animals, they may not naturally be good at interacting with other dogs or people, and may develop fear, anxiety, or aggression when exposed to unfamiliar surroundings. A dog trainer can guide your dog through the process of socialisation, introducing them to new environments, people, and other animals in a controlled and positive way. This helps your dog become more confident and well-adjusted, making outings and visits with friends more enjoyable for everyone involved.

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Reduces stress: Dogs can experience stress and anxiety just like you, and this often takes the shape of behavioural issues like excessive barking, destructive chewing, or separation anxiety. A dog trainer can identify the root causes of your dog’s anxiety and work on strategies to reduce it. They teach them how to cope with stressors and provide them with structure, which helps your pet to stay more relaxed and happy.

Improves bonding: Training is not just about commands; it’s about spending quality time with your dog. When you and your pet spend time together learning new skills, you build trust and understanding, which strengthens your bond. A dog trainer guides you how to effectively communicate with your dog.

Addresses issues: If your dog regularly barks, jumps, or pulls on the leash, there may be an underlying problem. These behaviours can lead to bigger issues if not understood or addressed properly. A dog trainer can create a customised training plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs, focusing on the behaviours that are causing trouble.

By addressing these issues early on, you can prevent them from escalating and create a more peaceful home environment.