Obedience can be a very important factor in the quality of life your dog has with you. Dogs don't really understand "democracy" as we do. Genetically dogs are no different from wolves (meaning their "hard-wiring" is exactly the same), social animals who live in a structured pack, and a heirarchy is what even the domestic dog expects. By a heirarchy, I don't mean all dog owners should rule with an iron fist, but if you are in charge, your dog will be much happier and a lot of stress will be taken off of him. Studies have shown that alpha wolves tend to have shorter lifespans than the rest of the pack. This is because the amount of stress they are under often leads to disease, and an injury often leads to others fighting for the head position, compounding the problem. So if you have one of those dogs that "rules the house," you'd do him a big favor by replacing him as head-honcho with yourself.
Basic Obedience usually refers to on-leash training and can be taught either privately at a facility, in a group setting, or in your home (I teach in the client's home for the client's convenience, as well as being able to give both the client and the dog the individual attention they deserve). Advanced Obedience refers to off-leash training and basic distraction proofing. Again, classes can be group or private. Teaching your dog obedience can do the following things:
Create a stronger bond between you and your dog
Reduce the amount of potentially destructive energy your dog has by channeling it in the right direction
Reduce the amount of stress on your dog, enabling him to live a longer, happier life with you
Make your dog more accepted in today's society and family structures
Help you understand your dog better and more accurately predict your dog's reactions to new stimuli and environments (thereby reducing some stress on you, too!)
Help other people (the vet, pet sitter, groomer, etc.) handle your dog more effectively and with greater confidence
The larger goals at Andrews Pro K-9 Training are to reduce the number of dogs put down every year because of behavior problems, reduce the number of dogs confined to outdoor living and shuffled from owner to owner and to create a fun learning environment for everyone involved.
For more information about the importance of obedience, e-mail Vanessa or, if in the Greater Atlanta area, call Andrews Pro K-9 Training at (678) 344-1042.
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