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Why train your dog?
Recent analysis of animal shelter intake questionnaires revealed that 96% of
dogs who end up in shelters never received any formal (basic) training. Only a small minority of dogs are surrendered
because of life circumstances such as divorce or death in the family. Most dogs are surrendered because of behavior problems
that can be easily prevented or corrected using positive, dog-friendly techniques.
Training your dog is essential,
not optional. A well-trained dog is happier and healthier and is a pleasure to live with. A well-trained dog is welcome
in more places, has more privileges, and makes many more friends than an untrained dog. A well-trained dog contributes to
society by becoming a "dog ambassador," demonstrating the polite behavior, affection, and trustworthiness of which all dogs
are capable.
Training is fun for both dogs and humans. You and your dog will become "bilingual," learning how
to communicate across species lines and bonding on a new level.
Training should begin as early as possible, preferably
at 8 to 10 weeks of age, and continue at least through the dog's entire first year. But it's never too late to start training,
and it's never too late to retrain your dog using fun, dog-friendly techniques. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
Training
can be a springboard to other activities, such as dog sports (agility, flyball, tracking, rally-o), competition (novice
and utility), and social work (animal-assisted therapy, search and rescue, humane education). These activities will enrich
your life, your dog's life, and the life of your community.
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