If you’ve been under the assumption that you’d simply have to live with your dog’s frustrating behaviours, for fear that training would take away their fun-loving spirit, then we have EXCELLENT news for you.
If your dog has a big, boisterous personality, you might be concerned that training will take away their spark. After all, isn’t training about forcing your dog to follow your orders? Well, not exactly. Yes, training will help your dog learn which behaviours are desirable and which ones are not, but don’t worry: it won’t change the very essence of who they are, and how excited they are to see you when you get home. Here’s why.
1. Personality is not behaviour
Your dog’s age, personality, or experience may make them prone to behaviours that aren’t so great in a human environment, but proper training gives them the information they need about what is or isn’t considered good manners. Once they have that info, it changes only those behaviours. When you give your dog a road map of how to live harmoniously in your household, it actually allows their true personality to shine! For example, an untrained dog that gets excited when you come home may jump up at you. That may be cute while they’re young, but it becomes problematic once they’re bigger—especially with young children around. Proper training removes the unwanted behaviour, (jumping up,) but doesn’t dampen their enthusiasm for seeing you come home.
2. Dogs crave discipline
Even the most boisterous pups crave order and discipline. They need a pack leader to show them how to behave. If you don’t step up as the pack leader, they will become anxious and start making decisions on their own! Clear and consistent training shows your dog that you are undisputably the pack leader. This provides them the security and stability they need, which then removes all that stress they were having, and allows them to be their authentic, happy selves.
3. Training is more effective when it ISN’T harsh
Do you have an image of what dog training looks like—maybe from television, ads, or social media—that includes aggressive techniques? Well, not only are these techniques outdated, dogs respond far better to gentle correction, persistence, and plenty of positive reinforcement. Dogs don’t understand harsh discipline, such as hitting or yelling; it only frightens and confuses them. They do, however, respond well to patience and calm, clear commands… plus lots of love and praise. Use these techniques to curb unwanted behaviour, and you’ll keep your pet’s sweet personality in place.
For more tips on training your dog, or for general information on keeping your pet healthy and happy, contact your local Bark Busters trainer.