Importance, methods and advantages.

(This next article refers to dog training, though any animal can be trained: parrots, fish and even cats).

Why even bother?

You should view training your dog as a long term investment in your relationship and quality of life. We have the privilege of enjoying their company along an average considerable period of 15 years! Why not make them enjoyable as possible?

You might spend these years making demands and having expectations which will never be fulfilled, leading to unnecessary frustration and anger. This doesn't have to happen. At the end of the day we want to communicate with our canine friends. We want to understand their needs, and we would like them to understand us and what we ask of them. Nothing is more rewarding than communication and mutual respect between us and our dog. The bond between us deepens and produces fun and pleasant shared experiences- for both parts (even at the most casual everyday activity like a walk). After all, what more do we want for our dog than to live a good, healthy, safe from harm, stress free life, full of fun and by our side (his guardian) and next to other dogs he meets or knows. When we decide to take a dog into our family (yes, pets are part of the family), we take this responsibility upon ourselves. 

How to train a dog?

Start off by choosing a professional trainer. In our days, all the information we need is a click away on the net. Self tutoring is not a problem, but the correct way is to use the services of an authorized trainer, who has graduated from a known establishment (there are many places to study training, it's important to checkout the background of the trainer you wish to work with). The DIY method might be very successful but at the same time might lead to opposite results, worsen the problem, or enhance unwanted behaviors that will be hard to get rid of later. If you do want to learn on your own, check out the site, it's content and who is standing behind it.

Which training method should I chose from?

In the past, most trainers were certified to train with classical methods (which are based on negative reinforcement, such as: choke collars, electric shock collars and other old fashioned cruel tools to make a point). Although these methods have proved themselves to work, there is a more humane to train your dog to reach results in a far quicker and enjoyable way. Having these two options, wouldn't you prefer the last one? Wouldn't you prefer you dog to offer behaviors you ask of him because they are a challenge, fun and rewarding, and not because it's scared to be pulled really hard on his choke collar? 

What is positive reinforcement?

Training based on positive reinforcement is based on the science of animal behavior, on sensitivity, humanity and efficiency. Results are achieved by encouraging the wanted behaviors with positive reinforcement (treats, a game, a stroke, a desired toy) and by extinction of unwanted behaviors by preventing the positive reinforcement or taking it away. The result is a dog who enjoys training sessions because it sees them as a game. Needless to say that the dog owners find this method more enjoyable and develop a deep bond with their dog, based on cooperation and faith.

What does any of this have to do with visits at your vet clinic?

When your dog comes for it's periodical vaccinations or preventative treatments, our vets give it a thorough physical examination. It is extremely hard to exam or to vaccinate a dog who is hiding under the bench, stressed out, fearful, growling and threatening to bite. Even worse, if this same dog is injured or sick for any reason, it would be impossible for the vet to treat and very hard for the owners to continue with treatment at home. 

The more your dog is used to being handled from an early age (having his eyes and ears examined, nails trimmed, teeth brushed etc), the easier it will be for everyone: the dog, the owners and the vet. Try practicing these actions at home. Slowly, gradually and at a slow pace where the dog always feels comfortable with the situation, while giving positive reinforcements such as treats (some owners even bring treats to the clinic and feed during the visit). Notice not to overload with treats to a point where your dog is obese.

Hard training easy in battle!

A small investment of you time goes a long way and for a life time: our vets can do their job and you and especially your beloved dog will enjoy "easy", stress free clinic visits, and a general more enjoyable life.

The decision about the method of training is up to you. Our recommendation is basic training for dogs, with a preference to positive reinforcement.

We would love to give you more info and recommendations for trainers.