Dog Training: An Investment in Joy, Safety, and Quality of Life in Colorful Colorado!
By Cheryl Higgins
Greetings NeuroAthlete Friends and Family! My name is Cheryl Higgins, wife of Dr. Grove Higgins. Meeting many of you in and around NeuroAthlete has been my pleasure!
Many of us train our bodies for competition, physical rehabilitation after an injury, or general good health—and even if we are not always consistent, we have seen the value of such training, and most of us intend to get there! Our training is for ourselves—we feel better, become more physically capable, and over time & through consistency, the training becomes easy and fun—but our behavior also influences the people around us, like our family and friends, and can inspire the people we love and spend time with!
Training is beneficial all the way around! This is also true of training our pets. If you’ve met our family’s canine companions, Sky and Bear, you'll know how much joy they bring to our lives. But it's not all tail wags and sloppy kisses. Training our pets, whether for obedience or for competition, takes consistency and patience. But the reward is a lifetime of companionship and a healthy bond between a dog and their family—and it doesn’t have to be complicated!
Benefits of Dog Training
Beyond the bond, training provides dogs with essential mental stimulation. Like humans, they need engaging activities to keep their minds sharp. Regular training sessions can help prevent boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors.
Training = Health and Quality of Life
Moreover, a well-trained dog can significantly improve our quality of life. When our furry companions can be trusted not to chew up the furniture, lunge at other dogs, or to bark endlessly, we get to enjoy their company in more places—outdoor restaurants, trails, and more. They love this, and so do we!
Reducing Risk Through Training
And consistent training helps protect our pets from unseen dangers. One common problem is “counter-surfing”: stealing food off countertops. This can damage our homes but also pose serious health risks to our dogs. With different dietary requirements than humans, many safe foods for people are dangerous to dogs.
For instance, did you know chocolate, onions, garlic, and raisins are toxic to dogs? Last year, our close friend lost a 1-year-old dog when he pulled a bag of artificial sweetener off the counter and ate part of it. He died, within an hour, from something harmless to humans. Our friends could not do anything to save him, and the experience was traumatizing. Training our canine companions to leave such items alone is essential for their well-being.
Promoting Outdoor Activities through Training
Imagine setting out for a walk or hike with your canine companion happily trotting at your side. A well-behaved dog on a leash will not drag you up the trail, making walks a pleasure! And a dog with good leash etiquette will not lunge at other dogs or people, preventing accidents and potential harm.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 65% of Colorado households have dogs, and many of us are outdoors enthusiasts! Properly trained dogs are easier to manage outdoors, less likely to be a nuisance to others, and can even encourage us to engage in more outdoor activities. From enjoying a peaceful picnic to trekking through the mountains, the possibilities are endless with a well-trained canine companion.
Training allows owner and dog to enjoy life fully together!
Training isn't only about obedience. Training is an investment in joy, safety, and quality of life—ours and our pets! In our case, Sky and Bear are not just our pets but our life companions. As our training improves, they can go with us to more places and enrich our lives with love and happiness.
If you want a great place to start, contact our trainer:
Cristina
(720) 470-4599
info@fusiondogtrainingco.com
https://fusiondogtrainingco.com/
So, step towards a better future for you and your dog. Invest in training, cherish the bond it nurtures, and relish the happiness it brings. Remember, it doesn’t have to be hard. But you and your dog are worth the effort!
