Why do we train dogs?? - Page 2

I agree with what a lot of ppl have said. I just do basic obedience training, other than that, our everyday interactions with my pup include reminders and refreshers and some games to encourage nose work (because that is SO MUCH FUN!-- I love hiding things and she gets so proud and excited when she figures it out, wiggling and running around with her toys! What excellent exercise/fun on a rainy day... :D ) My main goal in training so far has been to make it so that both of our lives are better and so that we enjoy each other's company. My pup went from being a nervous, unbalanced dog that didn't listen, to a confident, friendly, social dog who listens so well that I get compliments from other dog owners. She's a million times happier and now looks forward to going to new places, and I can relax and enjoy her company instead of being afraid that she might bite someone or be constantly glued to her because she's nervous. Now my family actually gets upset when I don't bring her with me for visits, vs. before they didn't really want her around, meaning we all get more time together. It's a win-win, and has blossomed into a beautiful friendship :)

We have a 'bumper sticker'  (well actually a window sticker) in England,
frequently seen:

A Trained Dog Is A Happy Dog.

I train my dogs, because they enjoy it, and so do I. They get a better quality life, and I get to do my competitions, or not, as the case may be. If they are not good enough to compete with, they are still trained. They have a brain, and deserve to be able to use it. I see lots of frustrated, sad dogs in my work, with lots of issues, most of which are so easy to rectify. As Hundmutter said, "A trained dog is a Happy dog"
 

Training can be pleasant for the dog if done well and the dog is not stressed or pushed too far and too fast.  Let's not pretend that all training is humane or based on what is best for the dog.  Some trainers just want to get their advanced titles as soon as possible regardless of what the dog may be ready for mentally or physically.  Plenty of examples of pups burned out and flunked out of IPO training because the trainer was lousy and/or pushed a young and immature dog too far and too fast   .. usually in protection.  Some dogs mature faster than others just as some human girls and boys mature early and some mature later.  Maturity is both mental and/or physical in nature such that a physically imposing young male or female (be he human or canine) may often expected to act more mature than their mind is prepared for.

bubba, why do you train? 

This should be good I can,t wait to hear this answer!!

Clear two way communication is why I train

very good bubba, now go communicate

Go Hard Candie GO !!