How training your dog can strengthen your human-animal bond

There’s so much on your mind when you bring a new dog home. You have to get them used to their home, establish a routine and meet their specific needs. Training might seem like something that can wait until later, but it’s never too early to consider it. Learn about the benefits of training your dog to understand why it’s so important and how it helps people bond with their pups through any life stage.

Why Do People Train Their Dogs?

People train their dogs to help them learn important skills, avoid problematic habits and live together more easily. Dogs don’t automatically understand how to get along with their families. They must get the guidance they need to participate in the world without potentially endangering themselves or others.

Research shows that 62 million households in the U.S. have dogs as pets. Those dogs need to know basic skills like quieting down when asked or sitting still when necessary. Training is the bridge of communication between any person and their four-legged best friend.

Why Dog Training Strengthens Your Bond

Training your dog can strengthen your bond if you maintain your efforts over time. Discover how training makes life with a dog more fulfilling before considering if you want to start teaching your pup tricks.

1. They’ll Listen to You Anywhere

Effective training reroutes some instincts. Instead of straining at the leash whenever your dog smells something interesting, proper training teaches them to respect being held back. If your dog listens to you in any environment, it means they love and respect you more than anything around them.

You don’t even have to wait until your dog is an adult to hone their focus, either. Puppies between 12 weeks and six months old are at the best age to learn commands while exposed to smells and sounds in high-stimulation environments. This training is crucial before you can expect your pup to follow commands in public spaces.

2. They’ll Look to You as a Leader

It’s easy to assume your dog will think you’re the leader of your household because you’re the one pouring their kibble. As much as they rely on you for food, water and bathroom breaks, your pup might just view you as their best friend. That’s not helpful when you’re trying to control them in public places. Training actively teaches them that you’re in charge, which deepens their connection to you.

3. They’ll Respect Your Boundaries

Dog training isn’t just about making your dog listen or do cute things. Commands also make them respect your boundaries. You’ll need training cues to tell your dog not to get into the trash can or eat food off your plate. Otherwise, setting limits with your pup is much more difficult. They’ll feel closer to you if you both understand how to listen to and respect each other.

Benefits of Training Your Dog

Training a dog takes time and energy. If you ever need more motivation, remember that training comes with numerous benefits for both you and your pup.

You’ll Create a Line of Communication

Dogs don’t understand human language. While that’s not a shock, you do need to form a way to communicate together. Training creates that bridge. Your dog will note the sound and tone of your commands so they understand things like sit, stay and come.

As they learn basic tricks, they’ll also know how to interpret your general demeanor. Imagine your tone of voice and body language when you’re mad. If you’re angry and command them to come, it’ll communicate a different message than if you feel overjoyed to see them and tell them to come. Dogs need to learn those differences to better relate to their owners.

You’ll Make a Routine More Easily

Training makes routines easier to establish. If you always tell your dog to sit while you pour their kibble, they’ll understand how to politely wait at mealtime. They’ll also know how much of the day has progressed if you always train them right after lunch.

Tricks and commands are the common thread that makes routines easier for dogs to comprehend. Experts know they prefer routines because they’re creatures of habit, so emphasizing the same daily activities with vocal cues is essential for their well-being. It’s one of the benefits of training your dog that people don’t expect.

You’ll Be Able to Socialize Together

Energetic, unwieldy dogs are difficult to bring to public spaces. If your dog doesn’t sit, calm down or return on command, they could cause chaos in ways that are much harder to stop. Tricks help people control their pups in dog parks, veterinarian offices and even family members’ homes. You’ll both feel less stressed if your pup listens to you.

Long-term routines with little to no socialization result in behavioral problems in adult dogs. Make it more fun to be around other people and animals by training your pup. They won’t know it’s to help them get along with others, but they’ll love spending more time with you.

Bond With Your Dog Through Training

Don’t underestimate the benefits of training your dog. You’ll bond through the extra time together while your pup learns essential life skills. Whether you focus on daily commands or fun tricks, your relationship will blossom if you dedicate time specifically to their training.