When we choose to bring an animal into our home as a pet, we have to understand that the animal is going to be true to itself and behave in ways that are primal to its species. From the moment the animal arrives in your home, it can only react to situations using its natural instincts. The expression of these instincts and the resulting behaviors are often incompatible to living in our homes.
Training your dog or cat provides the animal with alternate behaviors to perform- behaviors which ARE compatible to living in a home. An animal couldn’t possibly offer non-instinctive behaviors unless you teach them those behaviors! Dog and cat training teaches animals the specific rules of your home, which behaviors are acceptable, and how to curb their natural instincts which creates harmonious cohabitation.
When it comes to dog or cat behavior, pet owners always have three choices:
- Alter the pet’s environment in a way which doesn’t allow the animal to practice the behaviors you find offensive. This is a bandaid which works great for prevention but it doesn’t teach the animal what you want him to do differently. Therefore, you will have to alter the environment for life.
- Dedicate 10-15 minutes a day for a short period of time to train your dog or cat in new behaviors.
- Remain frustrated and dissatisfied with your relationship with your pet.
Your dog trainer or behavior consultant will work with you to determine the best course of action to meet your specific needs and goals. We respect the fact that pets and pet owners are different and will always offer you choices that are easy to implement, and most important, are things that you and your family are actually willing to do.
When you train your dog or cat, you create an animal that is a joy to live with, easy to control, and one with which you want to spend quality time. Isn’t that the reason you got a cat or a dog in the first place?