The Benefits of Professional Dog Training

Professional dog training offers numerous benefits to the dog and the owner. When a pet is properly trained, it shows that the dog is an important part of the family and that good behavior is expected and rewarded positively.

Professional Dog Training Saves Lives

The most important benefit of training for the dog is that it may save its life. The top reason for dogs to be abandoned or dropped at a shelter is behavioral problems that become too overwhelming for an owner.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the national statistics for companion animals entering shelters every year are approximately 5 to 7 million with approximately 3 to 4 million being euthanized. 

If puppies receive early training and socialization, there’s a better chance they will not be euthanized before the age of three. Not to mention that if a well-trained dog does end up at a shelter or rescue, it will be adopted quicker than one that is not trained. Obedience training can also save a life if a dog properly responds to commands, possibly avoiding a dash into vehicle traffic or safe during other emergency situations.

Sadie is a very good example of how training can resolve a challenging situation for an owner. Frustrated by her dog’s unruly behavior, a client recently brought her young German Shepard, Sadie, to Holiday House Pet Resort for lodging while she located another owner for the dog. Understanding the severity of the situation and confident that professional training would help match the dog with a new owner, the training team at Holiday House Pet Resort began a training session. Sadie lacked basic obedience skills and socialization with people and other dogs which resulted in leash aggression when near other pets. She needed structure and guidance to gain confidence and trust. Sadie responded immediately showing great improvement and was quickly adopted by the owner’s granddaughter. Sadie’s extended family is extremely pleased with her progress, and her new owner continues to reinforce the skills learned during training. 

Leader of the Pack

The biggest benefit of training to owners is that it teaches the dog who is in charge. You are the leader and the dog recognizes and respects your authority. Canines are pack animals: They follow a leader and want to please the leader. Training fulfills their need for leadership and provides structure and communication for a balanced life.   

A well-trained dog:

·         Reduces family stress

·         Reduces damage to your home and personal belongings

·         Increases a sense of safety and security

·         Creates a strong bond with the dog

·         Reduces costs associated with owning a dog

·         Improves overall quality of life in the home

From the Start

Training begins with the socializing. Providing your puppy with loving attention, regular feedings, house training, leadership and new people to meet will prepare him to begin formal training between the age of 8 and 12 weeks. Once the puppy receives its vaccinations, then puppy preschool and other social activities can take place too. Holiday House Pet Resort hosts a Free Puppy Social Hour every Thursday at 7pm. The objective is to offer pet parents an opportunity for their puppy to be around other people and puppies in a safe environment, as well as offer pet care tips, best practices, and information on training.   

Old dogs can learn new tricks. Successful training is possible if you adopt a full-grown dog.

“At Holiday House Pet Resort, we offer a full menu of training options. We start with a basic evaluation, garnering important information from the parents about their pet and its behaviors. Then we create a plan with a directed course of action. We are not here to make the decision on what behaviors are acceptable in your family. We are here to support the parents in giving the pet—and the entire family—an overall better quality of life,” said Fran Kealey, who works with clients on training evaluations.

From the Dog’s Perspective

Why is the dog behaving badly or out-of-control? Look at it from the dog’s point of view. Before a behavior can be changed, it should be understood. If the dog receives little or no attention unless its behavior elicits a reaction, then the dog will likely perform that behavior over and over to get attention it desires from the leader. The key, of course, is rewarding the good behaviors.  

A pet training program that rewards the dog with positive reinforcement is the most effective and will build a strong bond between the owner and dog that fosters trust and cooperation. The training program at Holiday House Pet Resort is unique because the dog is immersed in training and resort activities while part of a Lodge and Learn program. Working with multiple trainers over several daily sessions, keeps the dog focused on learning the commands and expected behaviors versus following one leader.

The ultimate benefit to the owner and the dog is happiness. A well-trained dog is a pleasure to have in the home and to be around in public. Proper training builds a strong bond between the owner and the pet which is the foundation for a healthy, long-lasting relationship. Call Holiday House Pet Resort at 215-345-6960 to learn more about our unique and successful training program, and to schedule your training evaluation.