5 reasons why you do not train your dog

My dog is small, I can handle him, I do not care if they are pulling a little.

I agree. You can handle them. But imagine, how comfortable it is to NOT having to HANDLE your dog.

Just walking in a relaxed way, wherever you are.

No changing of sides, unless you want that.

No stopping, pulling, stopping, pulling, unless you want them to.

No standing in the leash because there is another dog far at the horizon…

My dog does not need to sit, lay down, stay, dance, sing or cook on command.

I agree. Training is not that. Training does not mean to make your dog a silent machine that is no longer reacting, unless you give him a command.

Training means, first and foremost, that your dog listens to you. That your dog is able to listen to you. That your dog focusses on you.

No matter in which situation you two are, your dog “asks” you if it’s ok to do – whatever they want to do. And you can let them. If it fits the situation. Or not, if it doesn’t. That’s the result of a good training.

Think about how often you want your dog to do something, simply because it’s necessary. And now ask yourself how often they cannot react to you because they are not focussing on you.

I can train my dog on my own. I have always had dogs.

I agree. Me too. Since more than 20 years (Am I that old? Oh my God… 😊).

And two and a half years ago, by coincidence, I started a certain training concept. And imagine this, I have never had a better connection with my dogs than I have with my little one now.

And I am happy that I made that step. Because my little one weighs more than 60 kg, honestly, more than me. And my little one has 4x4. Including turbo. Still, I can take him everywhere. Easily. Without even thinking about it.

Living with a dog, working with a dog, connecting with a dog is constant learning. You’re never done. There’s always more. Tell me, don’t you have one tiny point you like to improve? 😊 Be honest, I won’t tell anyone.

I have a big garden, I don’t travel, my dog does not need to do anything, just being dog. At home.

Oooooh, I would love to have a big garden too. (Sorry for sounding a little bit jealous 😉). It’s lovely, so your dog can stroll freely around the house all day, you are at home with him, nice. He can just be a dog. No need to go outside and meet others, so no need for training. Nice.

Oh, wait. Just be dog? No need to react on commands? Fine, I get it.

But being dog also means interacting with other dogs. Meeting fellows from their own species, not only humans. Sorry to tell you: you are not enough. Being a dog means playing with other dogs, reading their behaviours, sometimes even having “dog discussions”, letting your dog be just a dog means giving him the social environment he needs.

I am totally fine with my dog and how they behave – no problems in my current living conditions

Congrats! Sounds good. Many dog owners will admire you when you say that.

But, think about it, things change, right? Unexpectedly. Most of the times.

When you have to move to a different house, will your dog still be doing well? Can you handle them in a big city? Will you be okay in a small town, with lots of dogs around? Can you give them easily to a dog sitter, without loads of instructions and prerequisites to be fulfilled?

I read that a lot, especially now during the festive season, when people need dog sitters:

Very nice dog, likes to cuddle, buuuuuuuuut: “needs 24 hours attention a day, pay attention when you meet other dogs, better use pads in the house, sometimes he pees, don’t let him on the sofa, he eats it, don’t do this, don’t go there, pay attention if this, stay away from there. Need a pet sitter who can lift 100 kg, has reactions like Superman, can smell dogs from a mile, and foresee any other unexpected event around 30 minutes in advance.”

Yeah…so, all good, right?

So, let me repeat:

Training is not making your dog follow a sequence of commands. Training is not only about, sit, stay, down, gimme the paw, fetch, catch, you name it.

Training means having a relaxed dog, who relies on you, in any situation.

Who does not have to take decisions on his own, which do not only stress him, but can result in dangerous situations.

Training you dog is becoming a relaxed owner who can – no matter what happens – enjoy any situation with their dog without even thinking about it.

Are you up for it?