Have you recently adopted a puppy? Or maybe you have an older dog that still needs to learn their manners when you're having guests over? No matter what the case may be, a dog training program can help with a wide range of cases that you might be struggling with.

Here are five benefits of enrolling your dog in a training program.

1. Socialization

Socializing with new people and animals can be stressful for dogs. A training program can teach them how to interact properly so that they don't feel overwhelmed when they enter a novel situation, such as meeting a young child for the first time, or a smaller cat that might seem like prey. 

2. Guard Dog Training

If you are wanting a guard dog, it's important to request specific training to that end – don't just expect your dog to know how to identify intruders and be able to react accordingly! 

Situations that threaten your safety may be very stressful for your dog, leaving them confused and unsure of how to proceed. 

A training program can give you commands you can use, such as instructing them to bark, or even attack, so that you can scare the attacker off or buy some time to get away.

3. Safety

The world can be a dangerous place for an untrained dog. A dog training program can help you to ensure that your dog will stay and wait for you before they try to cross a busy street, or enter a construction site with debris on the ground that could hurt their paws.

4. Understand Your Dog Better

Are you annoyed when you see your dog digging yet another hole in the backyard? A dog training program can give you diversion tactics, such as a toy you can throw, as well as commands to stop the digging.

Getting to know your dog better can improve the quality of your relationship with them so you won't continuously feel frustrated by them chewing on your shoes, or barking during your work call. 

5. Growth

Training can be a good outlet for intellectual stimulation. If you have a dog that seems to be looking for trouble, a training program can provide a pathway to keeping them challenged so that they are too busy learning to cause chaos at home.

Do you feel that your dog might benefit from training? If so, contact a dog training program coordinator today to find out more.