The Importance of Basic Dog Obedience Training

For quite a long time now, dogs have been considered an important member of the human family. The time and effort that we spend caring for our dogs have always translated into lifelong loyalties and friendships forged between us and our furry friends. No wonder the dog has been called “man’s best friend”.



Owning a dog can be a rewarding and happy experience for the entire family. Deciding to own a dog should be an important decision, a matter that cannot be taken superficially, simply because a dog is not just a furry being, an amusing present, or a fun diversion.



Basic dog obedience training is certainly a necessity for all dogs. Basic dog obedience training is more than just telling a dog to do what we want him to do. It is a way of teaching a dog to behave properly or in a way we deem proper under certain specific conditions or circumstances.



Proper dog obedience training is definitely not a "do-it-quick" thing. It is a continuous, life-long process – a work in constant progress. It should continue for the lifetime of a dog. Dog obedience training – whether basic or advanced – has never become more important than today when a lot of dog owners bring their pet dogs to so many places where they go.



Proper dog obedience training should begin when a dog is still a puppy. The first four months of a dog's life are very important in his training. This is the specific period when he learns behaviors that he will practice in his lifetime. This is the right time to teach your dog basic commands such as sit and fetch.



It is to be noted that dog obedience training methods or procedures are not created equal. There are various training types, approaches and methodologies which have come to be developed through the years that deal with dog obedience training.



But positive dog obedience training is quickly becoming the preferred method of dog training. This method of training is possible for just about every young dog.



Obedience training should be fun and rewarding for both you and your dog. A dog who has undertaken good training is confident and friendly and can be given greater social freedom than a dog who has not been trained at all. A trained dog will dutifully do basic commands issued by his owner.



Dog obedience training is more than just training your dog, it involves teaching the dog owner too. Going through dog obedience training is something every dog owner should do. It should be a worthwhile experience for both the dog and the dog owner.



And because training is all about communication, it is important that dog owners need to learn to communicate with their dog. Talk to your dog. Tell your dog you love him every day. Even if you don't say "I love you" to your furry friend, look him square in the eyes and say something – anything.



We all like to be recognized and accepted as a family member. Dogs understand human language more than we think they do. Get your dog's attention just as you would a person: call him by his name and look right at him when talking to him.



One of the basic obedience training points relevant in this regard is teaching your dog to sit on command. Training your dog to sit is probably the first thing you will train your dog to do.



To start the training: say “sit” while gently pressing his rump down and holding a treat above your dog's head. When a dog is forced to look upward, he will automatically sit on his hind legs.



When you want your dog to sit, hold a treat a bit above his head and say "sit”. As the dog sits, say sit again and then immediately give him the treat. Your dog should drop into a sitting position in order to reach the food.



Another favorite basic command that we like to teach our dogs is fetch. Teaching your dog to fetch promotes bonding and is a great way to give your dog some exercise.



To do this, first throw a ball – but not too far, though – and give the command "fetch". As the dog inevitably starts to run towards it, yell “fetch” again. If there is no ball available for you to use, you can use any object that your dog loves to play with the most, as this would make him want to fetch it.



Be reminded not to play fetch with heavy objects or sticks as this could injure your dog somehow or damage his teeth.



The most basic of dog obedience training is to get your dog to sit and fetch. As I said at the start of this article, proper dog obedience training is not a "do-it-quick" thing: it is a continuous, life-long process – a work in constant progress.



Dog obedience training is also a very physical activity, so getting tired and exhausted is all part of it. And doing it is never without any risk of injury, especially concerning more aggressive dog breeds.



Having said that, dog obedience training is certainly a must for all dogs. One major mistake many pet owners make is to assume that training a dog will be over in a short span of time. That, of course, is a gross misconception. Training your dog continues throughout your dog's life.



Dog obedience training is definitely a breeze with the proper attitude of the dog owner and under proper conditions. Start training your dog today and make his life and yours a lot more better in the future.