The Case for Taking a Dog Training Class with Your Pet

Carol M. Harris UW-AAB, Michael E. Harris UW-AAB, Ph.D.

It is surprising to us how often owners of a dog dismiss dog training as unnecessary. They seem to feel that unless the dog is a puppy or develops a constellation of serious behavioral issues, compliance with a simple, basic commands such as “sit,” and tolerable leash manners is good enough. But they are missing several important points.

First, it is not an inconsequential matter to establish a sound relationship with your dog, unless she is going to be left out in the backyard. This depends partly upon building a humane structure in your home. The number one concern of a normal dog is “Am I safe?” Dogs like structure because it makes expectations clear and gives assurances of personal safety. Training will be key in establishing this necessary structure.

Second, dog training classes provide necessary socialization opportunities for your dog and training for many of the settings you two may experience. Picture taking your dog to a friend’s house and it behaves badly. You might be startled by a request to keep your dog at home next time. Carol once visited a friend who owned a 90 lb. Rottweiler and, without prompting, it bounded into her lap. When Carol asked if her other friends found this troubling, upon reflection the owner admitted that visits from those friends had been declining. Proper training with strangers present may have reduced that dog’s tendency to launch.

It is not unusual for an under socialized dog who behaves well at home to be anything but relaxed in a group situation. Training your dog in a group class will give her the necessary exposure to learn composure among strange dogs and unfamiliar people and the world at large.

Third, dogs are savvy readers of body language. They have to be since most inter-dog communication is body posture and movement (or its lack). And they can be masters of interpreting human intent as well without a single word being uttered. Dogs can also pick up on an astonishing number of words as action cues, but they must be taught them for they don’t come equipped with a lexicon on human communication. Humans, on the other hand, rely heavily on verbal communication and less so on the subtleties of non-verbal communication. For example, it is commonly believed by many people that a wagging tail is a sure-fire signal of doggie friendliness despite what other body signals the dog is displaying that says otherwise. Misunderstandings can be avoided, and communication between the owner and his dog be greatly fostered, by short courses of dog training starting with puppyhood and extending into adulthood. 

Fourth, training classes can be mutually fun, stimulating and encouraging a deep trust and relationship between dog and owner.

Fifth, as we pointed out in our article, The Case for Lifelong Learning, the mental stimulation afforded by classes can stave some of the infirmities associated with old age.

A final word or two of caution is necessary. Some owners don’t seek training their dogs until a behavioral issue emerges, but be aware. Such problems seldom come in single file and if a structure for proper behavior can be established early in puppyhood, they are likely to avoided. Otherwise, when they arise, they are just managed, which is labor intensive requiring constant surveillance. Established behavior habits are hard to change whether they are good or bad.