Many people wonder why you should train that adorable puppy. A dog’s a dog, right? A pet doesn’t need training to just be a pet. Training will break his spirit and you wouldn’t want that, would you?
A dog has an inherent need to know his place within his family or pack. In his new family, he needs to have a place. It doesn’t matter to him if he is the omega or the alpha or anywhere in-between, but he must have a place. Doing positive training and having dog understanding is the first step to training your dog. By understanding his needs, you understand that training is necessary. Also positive training helps you and your dog better understand one another.
Having knowledge of dog breeds helps to know what your dog needs. If you have purchased a German Short-haired Pointer, you know they have boundless energy and need to be active, otherwise they can become destructive (this can happen with any puppy).
There are many books today on how to train dogs. There are many trainers out there who are selling books. Many books are about specific breeds. A book on German Shepherd Training is just one example. These dog-training books which focus on specific breeds of dogs will give you more useful information on your specific breed. They will help you understand the dog you’ve brought into your home much better than a generic book.
Never buy a puppy without knowing what you want in a breed of dog. Even if you adopt a mixed breed from the shelter, you can determined the types of breeds it has in it by performing a Dog DNA Test. Some dogs, like the Akita, need a strong and firm leader-like person which loves them, but doesn’t let them take charge. Akita training books are a must for this breed.
Other dog breeds have specific needs that are relevant only to that breed. Some dogs like to herd and need special training that will bring that instinct out to its fullest, allowing you to more easily train your pet. Some dogs, many of the “northern breeds” in particular, have been bred for thousands of years to pull things – usually on snow. Even if you don’t have much snow where you live, maybe you can set him up with a little wagon or something and teach him that way. Remember, though, a little puppy isn’t going to be able to pull much.
Training your dog can be fun if you have the dog you want to devote the time into. It’s a wise investment to train your dog to be a good example of his or her breed. There are no bad dogs, just owners who give them a bad reputation through bad habits.