Submitted by Dog Sense on Fri, 10/26/2018 - 16:54
puppy outside

There is much more to training a puppy than meets the eye. Hiring a professional dog trainer, will help you develop your puppy into an incredible companion dog and avoid the pitfalls of going it on your own.

Five Downsides to not seeking the help of a professional dog trainer. 

On the surface, puppy training might seem like a task you can assume on your own, especially if this isn’t your first dog. However, there is much more to training a puppy than meets the eye, and without involving a professional dog trainer, you may actually stunt your puppy’s ability to learn and grow.

#1: Improper Training

Loving a puppy is a great thing, but it isn’t a substitute for professional training. Whereas a professional trainer has researched multiple methods of dog training, the average owner possesses a rudimentary understanding of dog training, at best. Without knowing which training methods will work best for your puppy, and without the experience to implement these methods, you might be harming your puppy’s development, as well as your relationship with him. A professional dog trainer has a much better grasp of which methods work best with which dog breeds – and more importantly, a professional understands how best to implement these methods. 

#2: Time and Money Wasted

In the interest of saving money, some puppy owners might decide on the self-training route. However, the adage “you get what you pay for” certainly applies here, because the average dog owner’s lack of experience translates into a slower, more frustrating training regimen – not to mention the fact that the regimen itself might not be ideal for the puppy. On the other hand, a professional dog trainer possesses solid foundation of training methods and philosophies that equate to a faster, more efficient training time. From this perspective, the cost of hiring a pro is certainly worth it, especially considering the money an owner might spend on books, leashes, a cage, and various other implements to facilitate “self-training”.

#3: Safety Concerns

The safety element as it relates to dog training can’t be understated. Sure, puppies aren’t as dangerous as full-grown dogs – but constant biting, nipping, and pawing can get frustrating. But the bigger issue is that improper training techniques will have a dire effect on the puppy as he grows older, creating serious habits that are very hard to reverse in adulthood. Professional trainers have a strong command of techniques to change a puppy’s behavior in a safe, constructive way, even if the puppy demonstrates a level of fear, lack of progress, or aggression during the training process.

#4: Inconsistency

Continuing education is essential to succeeding in any profession, including dog training. The educational programs that professional trainers participate in translate into new tools and techniques with which to hone their craft. This consistent progression benefits your dog in terms of consistency of improvement and consistency of behavior. With a professional dog trainer involved, a puppy is far less likely to experience periods of misbehaving, as might be the case with an untrained or Novice teacher. 

#5: Problem Behaviors

As a puppy develops, it’s possible that he’ll develop a few bad habits that an inexperienced owner doesn’t know how to undo. These habits include growling/nipping, jumping, excessive leash-pulling, door-bolting, aggressive guarding of objects. When one or more of these habits manifests, bringing your puppy to a professional dog trainer will help eliminate these problems and allow him develop properly. This benefits your dog in the long run, and your relationship with him. 

Work with a Professional Dog Trainer

Located in Lancaster, PA, Dog Sense brings almost 30 years of experience in dog training, boarding, and grooming. Whatever your needs, contact us today and we’ll work together to create a plan that benefits your dog’s well-being and growth, as well as his relationships with you, your family, and other dogs.