Education, in the form of training, not only helps us have control of our dogs, but also helps to build their confidence which is a huge asset for your Fido.
Whilst training is an excellent opportunity to bond with your new pup, or strengthen the relationship with your adult dog, spending time apart helps your dog learn how to cope on their own. The same goes for your dog being in a new environment surrounded by strangers. Board and train programmes, or even doggie daycare, are excellent ways to help your dog develop.
Almost everyone asks me about ‘socialising’ their dog. Whilst it is a massively important aspect of being a dog parent, most people misunderstand what it means. Most owners think that socialising their dog means getting them out and about to play with as many other dogs as possible.
However, socialising our dogs properly means introducing to them as wide a variety as possible of real life scenarios. This does include meeting and socialising with other dogs, but also means learning how to remain calm and disengage from them when required. Taking our young pups out and about for short sessions to see and learn about the world around them is one of the most important things we can do.
Taking them to the vet a number of times, not for any treatment, but just to go and have some treats and cuddles for five minutes, helps them to create a positive picture of going to the vet. Walking around a busy shopping area – with people of all shapes and sizes, different noises and smells etc – shows them the real world around them. Busy environments like this can be distracting but training can teach our dogs to learn how to focus on the rewarding bit: you, their human!
While these activities are important, they can be time-intensive. And this is where daycare and board and train options come into their own. Our dogs quickly develop confidence from the training aspects and learn how to behave in a variety of situations. Equally, they have to meet lots of other dogs, of various temperaments and social levels, and they learn how to engage and disengage calmly.
The reality in life is that we just never know what’s around the corner. Naturally, it’s best to be prepared, and this applies to our dogs too. If our dogs have been used to spending the occasional night in boarding kennels or at daycare with other dogs, then when the time comes that they just ‘have’ to spend time at the kennels, it’s not a major drama. Your dog will be calmer and settle in much quicker.
A trained and confident dog is a joy to have around, and the more enjoyment you get from each other, the more you are likely to do together – it’s a win win situation.
Additionally, as the safety and comfort of our dogs is paramount, having a dog that understands some basic commands and how to properly engage with the world around them makes life much easier and much more enjoyable.
If you would like some more information on canine training, or behavioural issues, contact us on 091 654 1960, email info@k9pointacademy.com or check our website www.k9pointacademy.com
CPA is the only K9 organisation in Thailand accredited with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and as an American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator.