Marc Goldberg is an internationally known dog trainer. He, and the rest of the team here at Chicago Dog Trainer, are contacted regularly by people that have read his books to provide both in person and digital video dog training to those that need the extra help.
One thing that we notice, however, is that there is a misconception about who dog training is for. When people call us, they often ask us if “we” can train their pet. But dog training isn’t about us. It’s about you.
Training Your Dog to Listen to You
If you know much about dog behavior, then you know dogs are loyal to those in their pack (their family). They follow you places. They come to give you hugs and kisses. You are the one that makes their tails wag.
When you train a dog, you are teaching it to listen to specific individuals. Not everyone can make a dog come when called, nor would you want anyone to be able to have that ability. You want your dog to listen to you. Dog training works in a similar way. It’s theoretically possible for us to train your dog. We do dog training ourselves in our dog bootcamp, for example. But the dog is going to go home with you, and you want your dog to learn to listen to you.
That is why dog training is typically focused on teaching you what you need to do, and guiding how you interact with your dog to make sure that you’re teaching it effectively. We don’t just want your dog to be trained. We want your dog to be trained to listen to you and respond to you. That is why dog training is really about you.
In addition, training your dog to listen to you has many other benefits, including:
- Better Relationship – Even though you may feel like you’re demanding things from your dog, dogs form better relationships with their owners, and see these commands as a form of positive interaction and play.
- Sense of Safety – Training also provides a sense of trust between the dog and their owner. That helps create feelings of safety that will help your dog in many different ways.
In addition, the more you understand about dog training, the more you understand your dog. This will foster a better relationship and make it possible for you to have a strong understanding of how to address future challenges or needs.
Dog Training and You
It is possible for us to train your dog without you. But the training we provide is even more effective and beneficial when it comes from you. If you’d like to learn more about our dog training services, please contact us today.
