The Benefits Of Dog Training...

Why Dog Training Matters and Why Train Your Dog Early!

"Why Dog Training Matters" By Realizing The Struggles of an Untrained Dog

Want to know why dog training matters? Why train your dog early? Imagine this: You open your front door, and before you can react, your dog bolts outside. You call its name, but s/he ignores you, running straight toward the street. Your heart pounds as you chase after your dog, hoping s/he stops before something terrible happens. That's the benefits of dog training... not experiencing these things, or other things!

The fact is, so many things can happen with an untrained dog that can scare the crap out of you or even create a legal issue, like taking your dog for a walk, only to have them lunge at every passerby and hoping it doesn't bite anyone, or testing your patience by barking constantly. It's from these things that every walk feels like a battle, leaving you frustrated and exhausted.

You pictured a dog as your loyal sidekick—tail wags, cozy nights, pure joy. Instead, you’ve got a barking tornado, an aggressive loose cannon, a runaway rebel, a chewing monster, and a jumping menace. This is why dog training matters... to create this loyal, loving companion.

These scary events aren’t funny quirks—they’re the main pain points dog owners face, and they can shred your sanity.

That's not all.

Living with Chaos: Why Untrained Dogs Create So Much Stress In Your Life

Take a look at these common problems dog owners experience with an untrained dog...

1. Excessive Barking: Your Peace Shattered

Your dog barks at everything—doorbells, strangers, the wind. It’s not just noise—it’s a relentless assault. Neighbors pound on your door, your Zoom calls turn into a circus, and sleep? Forget it—those yaps jolt you awake at 3 a.m.

Every bark drills into your skull, and the longer it goes, the more you dread your own home. Without dog training, this isn’t a phase—it’s your new normal.

2. Aggression: A Ticking Time Bomb

A snarl at the mailman, a lunge at another dog—aggression isn’t quirky; it’s a nightmare.

Walks feel like combat zones, friends stop visiting, and you’re one snap away from a vet bill or lawsuit. That tension knots your stomach—every growl a reminder you’re not in control. Left untrained, aggression festers, turning your pup into a stranger you fear.

3. Won’t Come When Called: Control Slipping Away

You call “Come!”—your dog sprints off, oblivious. Parks become panic zones—cars, cliffs, or coyotes just a dash away. You yell louder, they run farther, and your heart sinks as strangers judge.

Without dog training, that disconnect grows—your dog’s free, but you’re trapped in worry.

4. Chewing Everything: Your Home in Ruins

Shoes mangled, couch corners gnawed, cords sparking—chewing’s a wrecking ball. Every chomp costs you cash and calm, and the mess mocks you daily. You’re not living with a pet—you’re surviving a demolition crew.

Untrained, this chaos escalates, leaving your stuff (and spirit) in tatters.

5. Jumping on Everyone: Embarrassment Unleashed

Your dog leaps—guests stumble, kids cry, clothes claw-marked. It’s not love—it’s a manners meltdown. Hosting’s a cringe-fest, apologies your new hello. Without training, jumping’s no puppy trick—it’s a full-grown problem that alienates everyone.

These aren’t rare hiccups—65% of dog owners battle behavior woes (APPA 2024). They’re not “cute” when your nerves are fried and your pup’s a wreck.

What you clearly need to understand is it's not that you have a bad dog. You have an untrained dog!

If any of these situations sound familiar, you're not alone. Many dog owners face challenges due to a lack of dog training, leading to stress, embarrassment, and even dangerous situations. An untrained dog doesn’t just test your patience—it hijacks your life.

But the good news?

These struggles can be transformed with proper training, turning chaos into harmony and frustration into fulfillment.

The Life-Changing Benefits of Dog Training Further Explaining Why Dog Training Matters...

Now imagine the flip side: a dog who hushes when you ask, strolls without a growl, races to you from your call, spares your shoes, and greets you and others with all four paws staying on the ground. That’s not a dream—it’s what dog training delivers.

A well-mannered dog isn’t just obedient—they’re a joy, a partner, a stress-free friend. 

You see, training isn’t just about teaching your dog to sit or stay—it’s about creating a well-mannered companion who understands boundaries and respects your leadership.

A trained dog is not just easier to live with but also happier, safer, and more confident. This is why dog training matters! 

Here’s why investing in dog training is one of the best decisions you can make:

  1. Improved Communication – Training establishes a clear way for you and your dog to understand each other, eliminating confusion and frustration.
  2. Enhanced Safety – A dog that reliably comes when called, stays in place, and responds to commands is less likely to run into danger.
  3. Stronger Bond – Training deepens the relationship between you and your dog, fostering trust and companionship.
  4. Better Socialization – Proper training helps your dog behave appropriately around people and other animals, reducing aggression and anxiety.
  5. Less Stress, More Joy – A well-trained dog makes daily life easier, from calm walks to peaceful home interactions, bringing more joy to your life.

These are the benefits of dog training. Isn't this what you're after? It's what every dog owner is after!

That's why it doesn't make any sense to wait...

Why Train Your Dog Early? Here's Why, And Why Dog Training Matters Right Up Front Day One...

Why train your dog early—like, day-one early?

Because that first 24 hours sets the tone for everything. (This is a really important point.)

A new dog stumbles into your home—wide-eyed, wired, and clueless—and every pee on the rug or bark at the door plants a habit.

You start training from the moment they arrive, and you’re not just teaching “sit”—you’re building trust and nipping chaos in the bud.

Studies show pups trained early settle 40% faster (PetSafe 2025)—less whining, fewer messes—because they learn what’s safe and what’s expected of them pretty quickly. But the key is know how to train your dog in these different areas.

Day one’s your golden window—miss it, and you’re playing catch-up with a dog who thinks chewing shoes is fair game. With every passing day, habits are being developed, both good and bad habits. This is another reason why train your dog early.

Plus, waiting is the trap!  Training your dog early beats “I’ll do it later” every time.

Puppies and rescues soak up cues fast—by day seven with no training, bad habits (jumping, nipping) are rooted deep, and undoing them takes triple the effort (AVMA 2023). See? This is why train your dog early is so important.

Start with basics—crate time, a leash tug, a “no”—and you’re not just shaping behavior; you’re easing their stress and yours. Most everyone who starts training day 1 are consistent: “Day 1 training saved my sanity!”

A dog crate or chew toy can also help (optional ideas)—but the real win is the clock: early training turns frustration into a bond from the beginning.

Think of it like this: day one’s your handshake. This is why train your dog early... it's about saying, “we’re a team” before the chaos says otherwise. Skip it, and you’re wrestling a furry tornado. Nail it, and fulfillment’s not a dream—it’s your reality, step one.

You need to understand, over 70% of all problem behaviors originate during puppyhood, and their first few months of life. Two key points I want to make about this: 

  • Bringing Home A Puppy. With a puppy you have a blank slate, to include a dog that knows nothing and will act out like all new dogs do. You'll have to train this dog on everything from potty training, to not chewing on things it shouldn't be chewing on, and so much more.
    • Plus, and I'm going to say it again, you must socialize your dog so it's comfortable around other dogs and people.
  • Bringing Home An Adult Dog. If you're bringing home an adult dog, you're going to deal with the character and personality they developed from their previous home(s). This could be bad habits, anxieties, and even the benefit of some training the previous owners may have done.
    • The fact is the #1 reason people get rid of their dog is because of behavioral issues they didn't know how to deal with, and won't take the time to learn how to fix.
    • However, over the years I've watched many people take on adult dogs with behavioral problems, who took the time to work with the dog and end up an absolutely amazing, loving and the best dog ever!

I hope I've clearly expressed the of importance of why train your dog early. Let's move on...

Common Dog Behavior Problems and How Training Solves Them

Many dog owners struggle with specific behavioral issues. Let’s look at some of the most common problems and the benefits of dog training to address them:

1. Why Dog Training Matters: To Stop Excessive Barking

  • The Problem: Your dog barks non-stop at the slightest noise, causing tension with neighbors and stress at home.
  • The Solution: Teaching commands like “Quiet” or “Speak” on command helps control barking. Identifying triggers and reinforcing calm behavior with positive reinforcement reduces unnecessary noise.

2. Why Dog Training Matters: To Stop Pulling on the Leash

  • The Problem: Walks turn into tug-of-war battles, leaving you frustrated and your arms sore.
  • The Solution: Leash training techniques, such as stopping when the leash is tight and rewarding loose-leash walking, help your dog learn to walk calmly beside you.

3. Why Dog Training Matters: To Come When Called

  • The Problem: Your dog ignores you when off-leash, creating dangerous situations.
  • The Solution: Recall training using high-value treats and positive reinforcement builds a strong habit of coming when called, making outdoor activities safer.

4. Why Dog Training Matters: To Stop Jumping on People

  • The Problem: Your dog enthusiastically jumps on guests, causing potential injuries or discomfort.
  • The Solution: Teaching “Off” and rewarding calm greetings ensures your dog learns appropriate ways to interact with people.

5. Why Dog Training Matters: To Stop Aggressive Behavior

  • The Problem: Growling, snapping, or biting can make your dog a danger to others.
  • The Solution: Professional training, socialization, and positive reinforcement techniques help address underlying fear, dominance, or anxiety issues.

6. Why Dog Training Matters: To Stop Chewing and Destructive Behavior

  • The Problem: Furniture, shoes, and household items become chew toys, causing frustration and financial loss.
  • The Solution: Redirecting chewing to appropriate toys and reinforcing good behavior helps prevent destructive habits.

These are just the main problems owners have with their dog, not all of them. So let's look at how we can solve these problems...

There Are Many Benefits Of Dog Training: Types of Dog Training to Consider

I've heard it from so many people after they went through a quality dog training program, "Oh man, Brad, I wish I had known what I learned in those courses years ago! What I could've done with the dogs I've had in the past, and how much further my current dog would be now just blows me away. That isn't to suggest our little buddy isn't doing amazing because he is. My dog, myself and my family are far happier and experience far more joy now, and our friends and family can't believe how smart and well disciplined our dog is."

Every quality trainer has their own individual skills they've developed over the years from training hundreds of dogs; little tricks they've learned and ways to get better, faster results.

The reality is some approaches will be better for your dog than others, but I personally have no way of knowing which would be best for your dog, and for you. This is why we recommend more than one trainer depending on the training you're after. 

And bluntly, you may end up going through more than one course to get the results you're after because one trainer may be a better fit for your personality and your dog than another. I've been through many courses over the years and I learn a lot from all of them! Even when one course wasn't the right approach for the specific objective I was trying to achieve, they offered training in other areas that were perfect for my dog.

Just keep in mind, when it comes to the benefits of dog training it takes a commitment on your side. The good news is, each time you're working with your dog it's bringing you a step closer to the results you're after AND it's building a stronger bond between you and your dog!

There are various types of training methods designed to address different and specific needs. Understanding these options helps you choose the right training for your dog to gain the benefits of dog training:

Basic Obedience Training – 

Focuses on essential commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it. In my opinion, absolutely everyone who owns a dog should go through a basic obedience training course! This alone will solve many of your dogs problems.

Like stated earlier, over 70% of all problem behaviors originate during puppyhood. This is why train your dog early is so important to start early, day 1.

Behavioral Training –

Addresses specific issues like barking, aggression, and anxiety. This is a specialized course that addresses a specific behavioral problem like barking, or being aggressive, or being anxious and timid.

Leash Training –

Helps dogs walk politely without pulling or lunging. This type of training can also go into teaching your dog to walk next to you without a leash on like taking a hike in the mountains together.

House Training –

Teaches dogs where and when to relieve themselves. This is generally covered under a basic obedience training course. If you didn't get that course and are having problems with your dog having accidents in the house, there are standalone "house training" courses available.

Socialization Training –

Helps puppies and adult dogs interact positively with other pets and people. This is a very important training, especially for people who own medium or large dogs or dogs who are inherently protective or aggressive.

Like I shared in another article, the best advice I got from a trainer when I first started owning German Shepherds is, "You want your dog to trust everyone, and then you TEACH the dog who not to trust. This creates a great family dog that you can take out in public and not worry about attacking people and dogs for no reason, and then the training teaches the dog how to protect you."

Many have made the serious mistake of not socializing their new dog and regretted it later on simply because they didn't know any better. Thankfully, there are behavioral courses to fix this.

This is the benefits of dog training... knowing these key things which can make a huge difference and know key things to help you create the companion you want. 

Both of these courses address socialization training...

Advanced & Trick Training –

This is an advanced training which includes agility training and tricks that engage your dog’s mind.

We are reviewing a few courses which teach this advanced training. If you're interested in this type of training, send us an email from the form on Contact Us page and let us know.

Service & Therapy Training –

This is an advanced training which prepares dogs to assist individuals with disabilities or provide emotional support. Dogs can be taught to do all kinds of things like get your meds for you, or to get help. 

As you can see, there are numerous types of training you can get to help your dog be the dog you want him/her to be.

We are reviewing a few courses which teach this advanced training. If you're interested in this type of training, send us an email from the form on Contact Us page and let us know.

Taking Action: Dog Training, Where to Start

Dog training isn’t just about correcting bad behavior—it’s about creating a well-balanced, confident, and happy pet. These are the benefits of dog training. Here’s how to get started:

  • Start Early, but It’s Never Too Late – Puppies benefit from early training, but older dogs can learn too! Here's a puppy specific training course: New Puppy Nightmares. Remember, new puppies know nothing, are curious, love to bark, chew on everything, thus, why it's called "New Puppy Nightmares".
  • Start With A Course – Why? I've done live training and courses both, numerous times. Here's why you need to start with a course... Because you'll learn far more about training your dog than from going to a live training class. 
    • Live training classes include numerous other dogs who are facing their own problems.
    • All it takes is one out of control dog to take over the whole training class.
    • Plus, there are constant interruptions and the training is constantly taken off course with off the wall questions & out of control dogs. 
    • With a course it's laid out methodically, step by step. I prefer video courses so you can see how exactly it's done. No interruptions... just pure content!
    • You'll learn a whole lot more about training dogs from a course. Seriously. A lot more!
    • One really good course and you'll be the dog whisperer to all of your friends, and throughout your life as you add new dogs to the family you'll know what to do day 1 .
  • Be Consistent – Repetition and reinforcement are key to success.
  • Use Positive Reinforcement – Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and play. Here's the treat we use for Bella: Full Moon All Natural Essentials Beef Jerky Tenders.
  • Seek Professional Help if Needed – If issues persist, professional trainers offer invaluable guidance. Or another course from a different trainer may be a better fit for your dog and the specific issue/problem you're dealing with.

A Well-Trained Dog = A Happier Life

I've covered a lot of reasons why train your dog early is so important, and why dog training matters! Investing in training transforms not only your dog’s behavior but your entire experience as a pet owner. The frustrations of an untrained dog give way to the joy of a well-behaved companion who listens, respects boundaries, and enhances your life every day.

So, are you ready to take the first step? Your well-mannered, obedient, and joyful dog is just a training session away! Just remember what I've shared about why train your dog early... it'll make a significant difference and stop bad habits from becoming rooted in.

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