Dog Training = Lower Anxiety! 

For many dog owners, calling a dog trainer and signing their dog up for a training program can be very nerve-wracking. Many of the calls I receive for all my dog training Baltimore programs involves a client that is struggling with their dog’s behavioral problems, and consequently, it is having a negative impact on their home life and the relationship between the owner and the dog. Despite knowing that training might help eliminate these issues, the idea of training the dog can be very intimidating and can cause a lot of anxiety for these people.

Training always lowers anxiety!

It’s completely understandable—training can be a serious change of routine and lifestyle. There’s also a lot of fear where the owner might believe that their dog might fail at training and be doomed for a lifetime of anxiety and poor behavior.

I am here to tell you that as a professional dog trainer here in Baltimore, that consistent reward-based training can lower anxiety levels down ENORMOUSLY, both for dog and owner. Also, I know for a fact that your dog is NOT doomed! Initially, when me and a client first begin, there might be those “first day jitters”. But the way training can eliminate anxiety is that it brings more structure for the dog. Typically, dogs with serious behavioral problems are lacking some structure and direction. Provided that we are setting the dog up for success and remaining consistent with the environmental setup and protocol, then the dog will soon adjust and reap the benefits of dog training.

Naturally, once the dog’s anxiety starts to diminish, the owner can immediately begin to let out sighs of relief and experience the rewards of getting their dog the help they needed. With my training, it heavily involves the owner as well. I want to ensure that the owner understands and is capable to effectively communicating and handling their own dog. That way, the dog understands to follow their owner’s lead, and they can learn and grow together at home, at the park, at the pet store, and so forth.

A good dog trainer will always attempt to map out a training plan that will set your dog up for success. With this instilled, the dog can learn how to thrive in a more stable, consistent, and anxiety-free atmosphere, which the owner learns to create and maintain themselves. When the dog learns the appropriate behaviors, some training elements can soon we removed from the dog’s life, and they can slowly transition back to their normal lifestyles, but fully trained and understanding what needs to be done!

So dog owners, while it is perfectly normal to feel scared about approaching dog training, just always remember that in the end, it WILL benefit your dog in the long run. And more importantly, the core anxiety that is most likely causing your dog’s bad habits will soon dissipate once the dog is enrolled in a consistent training program that paves a way for long-term success and confidence! And once that is achieved from your dog, that success, confidence and overall happiness will pass on to you. If you want to say goodbye to anxiety for you and your dog, SIGN UP FOR TRAINING! Even if your dog doesn’t have behavioral issues, some training could still be very stimulating for your dog, keeping them alert, active, and excited (ie: search for agility training!).

If you’re looking into training your dog, check out my training programs here in the Baltimore area. Call 800-649-7297 for any questions and to sign up your pup!