TRAINING FOR DOGS 101
You may have seen advertisements or articles in the past about the importance of training your dog. Dog training may conjure up images of the Westminister dog show or poodles maneuvering an obstacle course, and seem a bit out of reach for the midwestern family pet you are looking for.
But at Stone Hollow, our approach to training is NOT teaching them to do tricks to get rewarded with a treat. Our mission is to help dogs and their owners establish trust, boundaries, and consistent routines to help them live successfully as part of your family.
Our licensed trainers at Stone Hollow are of the opinion that raising a dog is a lot like raising a child. Both dogs and kids come into the world and our homes needing our guidance to learn the rules and expectations placed upon them in our homes and society at large.
A great deal of love and patience is invested on your part to assimilate this new member of your family into your home. But without proper tools and training, this process can be lengthy and frustrating for all parties involved.
At Stone Hollow, we believe there are three reasons every dog should receive professional training:
1. To teach life skills: No dog is brought into a family automatically knowing how to be successful in the home environment. Helping your pet learn skills like basic manners and proper places he/she is allowed to inhabit will not only help you maintain an orderly home, but it will help your pet avoid the confusion and anxiety that can result from lax rules.
2. To increase sociability: Many dogs are brought into homes with multiple family members, which may include small children or other pets. In order for the dog to learn how to respond appropriately in these environments, it’s important to expose him or her to a variety of situations at an early age. With training, dogs are allowed to explore and be curious about the world around them, while also learning how to appropriately respond in new situations. The sooner your dog can be exposed to social training, the more successful he or she will be in your life.
3. To build a positive relationship with your pet: Learning how one another naturally operates is the beauty of a training program. An experienced trainer can help identify and correct problem behaviors while giving owners clues and tools to help build a successful life together. As you work together in lessons and at home, you build positive rapport with your pet and a foundation for a lifetime of love.
Dogs who go through training at Stone Hollow will be equipped with long-term skills to help them grow along with you and your family. It will make living with your pet easier and more enjoyable when you understand the causes of his/her behavior and have tools to address and correct problem behaviors. Having a healthy balance of manners, sociability, and time together will ensure that you and your dog have a successful relationship for years to come.
Are you ready to sign your dog up for our Stone Hollow training program? Head over to our Training page to get all the details and book an appointment!