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A National Train Your Dog Month Dream For All Dogs To Be Trained | #BtC4A

1/15/2015

28 Comments

 
Typist: Bethany
January is National Train Your Dog Month and today is the birthday of one of history's greatest dreamers, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. When considering what my dream for a change in the world for dogs would be, I imagine more than just each dog having a home. I envision every dog having a job. Of course, loving their best friend is a very fulfilling career for a canine companion but I dream of every dog enjoying even more fulfilling lives through positive reinforcement training. I dream each dog would have the same opportunities I desire in my life. Obviously, I would never want to be homeless but I also would not want an isolated existence without friends, the outdoors and mental stimulation. Dogs deserve socialization and learning opportunities. Best of all, if my dream came true and all dogs were trained, it would mean that less dogs would be in shelters or killed.
Training And Tough Times
The majority of dogs surrendered to shelters are five months to three years. Dogs at this age are frustrating, trained or not. I have been in advanced dog training classes as a trainer of a young dog and with other trainers of young dogs. We have vented our frustrations about our dogs inability to listen to us, unending energy and that it often seems like all of the training we have done since our dogs were puppies just disappears one morning. My collie, Huxley, had earned his Canine Good Citizen and Rally Novice titles before he was eight months old. He passed the Therapy Dog International test before he was old enough to be a registered therapy dog. Yet I cried myself to sleep many, many nights when he was approximately a year old because I felt that I had failed in properly caring for him. He was out of control and nothing I seemed to do helped. Neighborhood walks were an endless battle about a loose leash, he never came when I called him and his attention span in our training sessions could only be measured in nanoseconds. I endured Huxley's rebellious youth and I am glad I did. And even if I hadn't, the excellent base of socialization and training I provided him with would have meant he would have been an amazing pet for someone else.
Rough collie, Huxley, gazes at his trainer during a fun filled training session.
The look of (a trainer and trainee team) love.
Human-Canine Bonding When Learning Is A Job
This is the number one reason why my dream is for all dogs to be trained. The bond that Huxley and I had gained in training is why it meant so much to me for us to continue to work together as a team and my rational for not giving up on him. Huxley being trained also means that he would make a great pet for anyone. All of my pets would. If every worst case scenario event ever were to happen all at once and my pets needed to be re-homed or ended up in a shelter, the fact that they are trained means that they would be more adoptable. Training as also made my dogs more adaptable. They are used to learning new things. In fact, Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley love learning! I would hate for any of my dogs to have to learn a new name but if necessary, our training background means the dogs are open to and even excited about new knowledge. Learning is my dogs job. The fullness in my heart when bonding with a dog enjoying their job is something I dream every person who shares their life with dogs can experience.
Miniature dachshund, Wilhelm, happily practicing a heel with his trainer.
Teamwork at it's finest; seeing this little dachshund face gazing up with a yearning for learning is the most wonderful sight human eyes can see.
Addicted To Team Work
The wonderful feeling of working as a team with a dog is addictive. I have never met anyone who used to train their dogs but quit. In fact, most dog trainers continue to expand their knowledge for decades through many generations of canine companions. I am someone who dabbled in training as a preteen and I continue to find more and more pleasure in trying new jobs with my dogs. Sometimes my dog enjoys a job that is not a favorite activity of mine but I am so enamored with seeing my dog happily working, I stick with it. If my dream of every dog finding a fulfilling job and every human becoming addicted to the feeling of watching their dogs work came true, just imagine what a fantastic world we would live in.
The list of dog training benefits goes on and on but what matters most in creating a change in the world for dogs is that trained dogs are dogs that are less likely to become a shelter statistic. There are so many options for training, it doesn't have to be costly, time consuming or boring. Training is as easy as going on  dog walk and teaching "tricks" isn't always what one thinks it might be. If something as simple as teaching a dog the joy of learning could save it's life, it doesn't seem too far fetched to wish for all humans to become positive reinforcement trainers. I have a dream that all dogs have a home, a job and a human trainer who is proud of what they have accomplished together as a team.
20 Uses For Dog Tricks
What is your dream for animals? How can others help to make your dream come true?
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28 Comments
Cokie the Cat: Hollywood Insider - With Balzac! link
1/14/2015 04:06:44 pm

A National Train Your Dog Month is a fantastic idea!

Reply
Lauren Miller link
1/14/2015 04:15:31 pm

You and I have the exact same dream. It kills me seeing all the untrained dogs!! Also, I just want to say that picture of Huxley looking up at you is gorgeous!!

Reply
Laika link
1/14/2015 06:05:13 pm

You are so right about the whole thing of training. And with changing the dogs name too. Can you imagine this: When we got Vaks it was a bit difficult not to change his name. His dads name is Max and when mom calls him, Vaks (in the beginning) responded too LOL. But they both learned LOL.

Reply
Bethany
1/20/2015 11:48:24 am

Dogs are incredibly capable of understanding those little differences! Daily mental stimulation, like walks and training, go a long way in helping dogs brains and senses (like their ears) stay sharp.

Reply
Molly The Wally link
1/14/2015 06:06:37 pm

Ditto great idea. Have a tremendous Thursday.
Best wishes Molly

Reply
Emma link
1/14/2015 08:01:19 pm

My mom gets the frustration. Bailie can be so good, but then she goes off on a tangent and makes Mom want to pull her hair out. I was almost always a good girl, Mom says she was lucky with me. Katie was the absolute worst dog until she was almost three. Mom says she cried so often because of Katie and her naughtiness, but Mom is not a quitter and likes a challenge so they worked through it. A young dog is a lot of work, and I think many have no idea what they are getting in to. Nice post.

Reply
Bethany
1/20/2015 11:53:58 am

Most people don't understand what they are getting into with a dog at any age but especially with a puppy. So many people think if they take a young puppy to one, six week training and socialization class, the puppy will magically grow into a perfect dog. Yet another reason that training can be a tremendous asset is that it helps the trainers gain knowledge of puppy/dog development. The "terrible teens" of puppydom are well known in the dog training world! In continuing classes with a dog, the trainer also has a support network to help when times are tough.

Reply
Talent Hounds- Susie link
1/14/2015 10:51:18 pm

What a great idea. I am using trick training every day on Kilo. It is slow progress as he is already 2.5 years old with bad habits and he is not always the most attentive student unless there is food. I have been trying the get a toy or go to bed if someone comes to the door. I like the sit and wave too- I'll try that. Tricks certainly entertain us and keep his body and mind busy. They make him look cuter to others too, and distract him when he gets stressed. Thanks - great post.

Reply
Lara Elizabeth link
1/14/2015 11:26:26 pm

This is such a wonderful post, and how perfect that you combined Blog the Change with Train Your Dog month! Training makes life better for everyone. It's astounding to me how many people think dogs should come with training installed like a software package!

Reply
Marie link
1/15/2015 12:57:00 am

Excellent post!

Reply
Beth link
1/15/2015 01:44:05 am

I also decided to write about the importance of training your dog. I am sure if people invested time into training their dogs, the number of dogs in shelters would be decreased dramatically!

Reply
Rebecca link
1/15/2015 02:43:59 am

My dream seems to be your dream as well. If people only knew how much more enjoyable it is to have a trained pet and much of a bond you create. You can see that bond between you and Huxley in that picture, such a wonderful picture capturing the love and connection!

Reply
It's Dog or Nothing link
1/15/2015 02:45:21 am

I love the idea of Train Your Dog month. Pyrs definitely aren't trick dogs, but that doesn't mean we don't work on training, we just focus on their strengths. Self-control training is something we spend a lot of time on. A giant breed puppy without self-control is a disaster!

Reply
Jodi link
1/15/2015 03:00:16 am

I confess, I need to work my dogs more. Lately our walks have become a bit miserable as they are usually both tugging me and not typically in the same direction. :-( We have gotten better with passing other dogs and people, but we need to work on the loose leash, no pulling walks.

This is a good reminder for me to keep working with my dogs. There must be something I can do to help them learn to not pull. Any thoughts?

Reply
Bethany
1/20/2015 12:04:37 pm

Brychwyn and Huxley pull too but only when walked together. It's a competition thing. Individually, they are awesome loose leash walkers, so I know they can do it. I just have to coax them to quit vying for first place while tugging me along behind! Anyways, I recommend you start with one dog at a time, just put the leash on and click/mark reward/praise whenever the leash is loose. This doesn't have to be on a walk, it can just be in the house. Here is a great article about positive reinforcement loose leash training: http://www.clickertraining.com/node/541 It takes time and patience but it's worth it. When I think back to the crazy puller Tynan was when I first adopted him (he damaged both of my shoulders) the little bit of work (and by little bit I still mean a couple of years) it took to get him to walk nicely was worth the many, many more years of wonderful walks we enjoyed together.

Reply
Kari link
1/15/2015 03:13:25 am

Puppies are the worst! With their short attention spans, destructive tendencies, and teeny tiny pin-sharp teeth. But older dogs with no training would be harder to work with if they've developed bad habits!

Either way, dogs definitely would be better off if everyone had the patience you do to keep working on the training through the rough patches!

Reply
Dory's Backyard link
1/15/2015 05:55:59 am

What a wonderful post, and so very true!!!

Reply
Mark at DBDT link
1/15/2015 07:53:48 am

I like your comment about every dog should have a job, and then learning can be their job. It is a great way to think about training as a way to strengthen the humane-canine bond. Great post.

Reply
Cathy Keisha link
1/15/2015 11:00:08 am

How perfect that Blog the Change fell on Dr. King’s birthday! I love your dream. Some of the dogs in this building are wild. You know they haven’t been trained. Great post.

Reply
Jeanne Melanson link
1/15/2015 12:18:08 pm

I love your blog. This is my first time here. I did the Blog for the Change Challenge as well, which is what brings me here. I love that you love training your dogs. I understand what you say about the bond that is created between a dog and his trainer. I've experienced that as well and there's nothing quite so satisfying. You're dogs are beautiful. You've done a fine job. I look forward to reading more of your posts in the future. Take care. Peace.

Reply
Pawesome Cats link
1/15/2015 02:01:41 pm

Great post, thanks for raising awareness of the importance of dog training.

Reply
Dezi and Lexi link
1/16/2015 03:14:00 am

Gweat posty. Bootyful fotos.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Lexi

Reply
KimT link
1/16/2015 03:43:17 am

Kudos to you for explaining the benefits of training in a way that's engaging, interesting, and without all the technical mumbo-jumbo that turns off those who don't know the terminology or have formal training. You've convinced me, for one, of just how utterly awesome training your dog can be! This world sure would be a better place for dogs and their humans if more were involved in that wonderful training bond.

Thank you for blogging the change for animals,
KimT
BtC4Animals.com

Reply
Alix link
1/16/2015 08:59:49 pm

Lovely dream. I have the same one as well.

Reply
Jan K link
1/16/2015 09:08:38 pm

What a wonderful dream!! I agree that a well trained dog is far more apt to get adopted from a shelter, or even one that just has a start on it. Luke is our first dog we did formal training with, and now I'm hooked. I can see how it increases our bond and I can see how he loves to learn new things and to show off what he knows. Great post!

Reply
Amy link
1/16/2015 10:04:05 pm

Couldn't agree more. Although we had to stop our therapy team work, I'm glad we did all of the training. And we did a lot. Because Toby really was every bit as difficult for awhile as you say Huxley was. :)

Reply
Kim Clune link
1/18/2015 02:53:32 am

What an admirable goal and validating post. Training is not always easy, but it's always rewarding. Both my dogs just had to get through their growth spurt and energy peak. Even at our most frustrating points (Christmas tree skirts, couch cushions and concert tickets shredded through the dog door), relinquishing our dogs was never an option. Of course, I see the other side of that in my rescue, dogs dumped because they're suddenly too much to handle. Training makes all the difference in the world, not just because chaos can be controlled, but because the trust bond and achievements built inseparable connections.

Thanks for being and blogging the change!
Kim C.
Btc4animals.com

Reply
Kaitlin-SheSpeaksBark link
1/18/2015 04:21:23 am

Beautiful photos and an exceptional message! It would be great for both people and pets if your dream were to come true!

Reply

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