Dogs, like humans, need to learn basic "life skills". The training helps them deal calmly with other dogs and humans – and lets them live a happier, stress-free life.
Yes, training will help your dog learn how to behave the way that you want him to, but it won't change the very essence of his personality. Here's what you should know about training and your dog's personality.
It Builds Up Your Dog's Confidence
When you train your dog using positive reinforcement, it teaches them that making decisions and engaging with you and the environment earns them good things, like treats and praise. Your dog will then be more open to new experiences as they are positive and rewarding!
Many people are hesitant to adopt a second dog because they assume it will be twice the work and twice the money. But the truth is, owning two dogs doesn't have to be more work – in fact, it can often be easier. And as for the cost, it will cost more money than one but not twice the amount.
Training your dog offers many benefits, including making them easier to live with and keeping their mind active. One particular benefit of training your dog is that you will strengthen your bond with your pet.
A dog's number one priority at bedtime is comfort and security. So, if they're choosing to sleep in the same space as you, it's a big sign that they trust you. "Sleeping with the owner in the same room helps minimize fear, anxiety and stress," said Christman.
Second Dog Syndrome
As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right. All too often, a second dog joins the household and the expectation is that they will behave as the existing dog in the home does, so they are often given the same freedom right off the bat.
Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them! Excessive licking can sometimes be a sign that your dog is anxious, uncomfortable or in pain.
To the dismay of many, no, they don't always like it. Being held — which covers everything from a loving hug to a snuggle in your lap — can raise a dog's stress level and cause him to show visible signs of anxiety. When your puppy squirms when you pick him up, it's not just because he's being a wiggly puppy.
Dogs look to their owners for reassurance, safety, and comfort. If your dog only goes between your legs in happiness or playfulness, it is perfectly normal and acceptable, as long as they are not too large and knocking you over.
YES! Your dog will remember you as its original owner. Not only that, but once the new structure and lifestyle start back home, they will trust, respect, and love you much more than before. The reason for this is because now you will have the skills to be a stable leader for your dog.
Your dog is never truly finished training. Ideally, you will always be training your dog, even as he ages. Ongoing training can help keep your dog's skills sharp. Also, training sessions are fun for your dog and a great way for the two of you to bond.
The saying “quality over quantity” applies here. It is often better to do multiple, short training sessions in one day. Your dog training session length might only be 10 seconds to two minutes in duration! Over time, some dogs can focus for longer periods, such as up to 15 minutes.
By nature, dogs are social and thrive in group environments. Therefore, there are many advantages to adopting a second dog, such as: They can keep each other company. Both dogs will be able to entertain each other and get exercise together.
One of the most important rules of dog training is the two second rule. This is because dogs always live in the moment so TIMING IS EVERYTHING! Feedback must be given to your dog within two seconds of the behavior in order for him to understand what you are correcting or rewarding.
Does that mean you can't have as great a relationship with your second dog as you did your first? Absolutely not. As a matter of fact, the relationship I had with my second dog (Stoni) became the benchmark for me to aspire to in all relationships with any dog I have ever had since her.
Some dogs do get lonely without a friend, and a second dog will alleviate this loneliness. If your dog has separation anxiety, having another dog there may help. Another dog can be a valuable companion so your dog doesn't miss you as much while you're gone.
Before bringing another dog into your home, evaluate whether you can dedicate enough time to meet the needs of both your existing dog and the newcomer. If you have a well-established routine and can provide individual attention to each dog, it's a promising sign that you're ready for the added responsibilities.
So, while another dog might make your dog less lonely, it's not likely to cure your dog's anxiety when you're away. If your dog has separation anxiety the presence of another animal in the household is unlikely to ease the distress he experiences during times of separation.
If your dog sleeps on your bed, you've probably woken up to find their bum facing you. There are several reasons why this happens, and most of them are pretty benign. These include comfort, ventral contact, trust, protection, eye contact, wanting to be left alone, territory marking, petting, and parasites.
If your pup likes to sleep with you, it means they feel secure and comfortable with you. When your dog was a puppy, they cuddled up with their littermates for warmth and comfort, so now they want to do the same with their people.
Dogs aren't really wired for face-to-face contact. As you'll notice, most dogs will avoid it — unless they've been well-socialized from a young age. So the idea of facing toward you while they lay with you is a little odd to them. It's a much more comfortable position for them to face away instead.