The Wonders of Dog Training

Dogs are very suitable for dog training because of their evolutionary background. Because they have evolved from wolves, they are very comfortable with a hierarchy and look up to a leader who can guide their pack in the right direction. Humans also have similar family structures and this is why dogs can fit in so well with human families.

The different breeds of dogs mean that some dogs are more suited to a particular type of training, and some to others. Big, fierce dogs can be good as guard dogs. It would be hard to think of a poodle or Pomeranian as a police dog, for example. Other cute little dogs are playful and are very popular as pet dogs such as little Jack Russell Terriers. But even the bigger, tougher dogs such as Rottweiler’s make good family pets if they are trained the right way.

It is amazing to think of how many situations dogs can be used in. We all remember watching our favorite doggy movie stars when we were little. But loyal, calm dogs can be trained to help blind people and deaf people to act as their eyes and ears. In ski resorts, big dogs are used as rescue dogs. They can easily reach places where people cannot go and help those in need!

So, how are all these dogs trained to do what they do? Usually young dogs are chosen for the more difficult training. Young puppies are chosen to become guide dogs for the blind. Young puppies are also taken by the police force to be sniffer dogs. As the saying goes: 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks'. Older dogs probably could be taught to do new things, but it would take a lot of hard work and a very good trainer.

Because of the pack mentality, dogs look up to their leader. They are submissive to the 'Top Dog' and will always follow its instructions. So to train a dog, you have to show it who is boss. In a way, you have to take the role of the leader of the pack. You have to use strong commands and get it to do what you want and show it when you are happy and when you are unhappy with what it is doing! A nice treat when it is doing what you want and a punishment when you are unhappy. A punishment for a dog could be to ignore it for a few minutes. It feels rejected and wants to do its best to please you!

The best dog show I saw when I was little was a circus dog show in which the little dogs jumped through hoops and walked up on two legs. Your little pet may not be able to do that, but with a little training the lives of you and your little pooch would be a lot easier!