22/11/2024
Sending your dog away to be "fixed" by a trainer often shifts the blame for behavioural issues onto the dog, rather than addressing the underlying dynamics within the home environment. In my experience, more than 85% of dogs sent away for behaviour modification return home and quickly revert to old habits or come back more confused and anxious than before. Quick fixes are rarely effective; a dog’s behaviour is deeply influenced by the home environment and the owner’s commitment to consistent guidance and structure.
If you choose to send your dog away to be trained, make regular visits to check on the well-being of your dog, and request regular daily video updates of your dogs training and progress. And remember, your dogs training doesn't finish there. Your dog trainer should also offer you ongoing support.
Your dog’s behaviour is a reflection of your own approach, attitude, and dedication to teaching what is acceptable. Many owners mistakenly expect their dogs to “work it out” on their own, which is akin to leaving a 7-year-old child to make all decisions without any guidance. In both cases, psychological and behavioural chaos is inevitable.
Bringing a dog into your life is a serious responsibility, one that should be approached with an understanding of your role as a guide and leader. Unfortunately, some people adopt a puppy or rescue dog only to fill an emotional void, seeking companionship without considering the dog’s needs for structure and training. This can lead to over-indulgence and a lack of boundaries, where the owner’s needs for affection overshadow the dog’s need for guidance. Initially, this may feel fulfilling, but as challenges arise, stress and frustration can replace the initial joy. When the dog no longer “fills” the emotional need due to unwanted behaviours developing, the result is often resentment and blame.
For a dog to truly thrive, consistent guidance, boundaries, and leadership are essential. Effective training involves the owner’s commitment to working alongside the dog, learning and growing together. A well-behaved dog is the product of responsible, engaged ownership—not a quick fix, by simply sending it away to be "fixed", once the dog is out of control.
A dog trainer cannot simply “fix” your dog for you—nor should they try to. For one, your dog isn’t broken. Dogs are complex, intelligent animals, and their behaviours are reflections of the environment they are raised in and the guidance they receive. A trainer can work with your dog to address behavioural issues, helping to guide, teach, and instill new responses. However, no amount of effort on the trainer's part will produce lasting change if you, the owner, are not equally committed to the training process.
Successful training is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing journey that requires your active participation, patience, and consistency. Your dog needs you to be an engaged leader who upholds the lessons learned in training sessions. When owners follow through on a trainer’s work, they create a cohesive, stable environment where positive behaviours can take root and grow. But if the owner is inconsistent, or neglects to reinforce what the dog has learned, the dog is left to navigate on its own, often reverting to old habits.
In the end, a well-trained, well-adjusted dog is the result of a strong, committed partnership between the owner and the trainer—working together to ensure the dog receives the guidance, boundaries, and encouragement needed to thrive. It’s about building a lifestyle that supports good behaviour and allows your dog to become a confident, balanced companion, reflecting the positive, structured environment you’ve worked hard to create.
