Dog Training and a Dog's "Spirit"

Over the past year or two I've had several discussions with owners regarding training and a "dog's spirit". In these cases, the owners have always been concerned that training their dog will somehow sadden their pet or make them less able to enjoy life.

Well-trained dogs understand their role in a home and respect their owners. When I begin working with an owner and their dog, I generally recommend substantial changes to their daily routines. As dogs process these changes they may seem more quiet for few days. A thinking dog is not a sad dog, and this 'quiet time' is only temporary.

Over a longer term, as new expectations become part of daily life in a home, dogs develop more respect for their owners, listen better, and are calmer and better behaved. This too can mean substantial changes from past behavior with some pets. While most owners are very pleased to see such results, others somehow feel their 'changed' dog is no longer as enthusiastic or happy.

I would offer that a dog that is now thinking, paying attention, and more focused on living well with its owners is a dog can enjoy more privileges, more travels, more interaction with people, other dogs, etc. Along with praise, new interactions with an owner are a great rewarded for any dog's hard work. Training also improves safety as dogs learn to obey commands where the environment could pose hazards (traffic, etc.) or when play is not appropriate. All this adds up to a much fuller and enjoyable life for both dog and owner.

A wild or unruly dog may seem to some as playful, animated and "happy", but calm and obedient doesn't equal "unhappy". Training will improve your dog's behavior, but it won't change his/her personality. Calm and obedient AND happy can all co-exist. A dog can still have fun working on an owner's agenda instead of its own.

Once you live with a well trained dog you'll never live without training again.