Everyone is familiar with sit, down, and come and other similar commands that are standard fare in the general obedience training class. The novice handler might not be familiar with what competitive obedience looks like or realize that it’s really just a continuation of those basic skills.
For the health and wellbeing of your dog, training should really not ever be considered an option when owning a dog. Well trained dogs are more likely to be behaved and listen, be void of behavioral issues, be good in public, and are less likely to bite. Owners also have a much closer connection with the dog when the time is taken to form a relationship through training.
Having a dog has been a fun and wonderful experience for everyone in your family. In fact, it has been so rewarding that you are now seriously thinking of getting a second dog. However, it is important that you really think this decision through, because having two dogs can be an entirely different experience from having one.
