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.
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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.
