How A Well Trained Dog Can Save Thousands

April 19, 2017  |  Adriel B. Villarreal

In the United States, dogs are the most popular choice of pet in family households, due to their companionship and loving nature. They are treated as a member of the family and some dogs even run the household. This is why many dog owners turn to training to control their dogs and create a healthy environment for the whole family to enjoy.
Training your dog is not only great for making sure your four-legged friend walks nicely on the lead or doesn’t have any accidents in the house. Teaching your dog the right behavior can actually save you thousands of dollars. And we don’t mean from buying new your furniture.
Unfortunately, every year in the US, there are around 4.7 million dog bites and an increasing number are on young children. Statistics even show that about 77{a0c01d20c42349884e67ff80c137866b0a9fe47aaae8f8a86a605a369ae487c3} of victims know the dog through family or friends. As such a loved member of the family, it is hard to imagine that your dog could ever do this. You may think; this doesn’t apply to me, my dog isn’t aggressive. But, the truth is that a lot of dogs that injure other people aren’t normally vicious or show no signs of aggression prior to the incident. It is possible for dogs to act of character if they excited, surprised or scared. Whatever the reason may be, as the owner, this can land you in a lot of trouble.
As the owner, you are legally responsible for your dog’s behaviour, especially when your dog hurts somebody else. If your pet bites someone or causes them injury, you can be sued for damages and may be found liable for your pet’s actions. This would mean you would need to seek personal injury legal help to avoid paying out for expensive medical bills, pain and suffering and any other financial losses.
How can you prevent costly lawsuits? Well, research has found that well-trained dogs are less likely to misbehave, be disobedient and cause injury to you or other people. Through training programmes and various disciplinary techniques, you can teach your dog manners and the correct way to behave to ensure that under any given circumstances, they don’t act out.
Starting training young is a great way to discipline and teach a dog appropriate behavior. Puppy classes are ideal for socialising your dog from a young age and teaching them about interaction with other dogs and people. This way they can get used to being in a new environment. Even if you have adopted your canine companion from your local shelter, all is not lost. There are many training classes that are also beneficial for older dogs and encourage positive behaviors. Investing in training will have a lasting, positive effect on your four-legged friend that will benefit you and your dog in the future.
Yet, training doesn’t necessarily have to cost you money. Teaching your canine companion should also start in the home. Taking the time to discipline your dog when they do something wrong and reinforcing good behavior are just some ways your dog can recognize how to behave around other people and in different situations. Some dogs are fast learners and they can pick up new commands very quickly, while others will need a bit more time, patience and encouragement. But, training is always worth it. It will create a strong bond between you and your four-legged friend, which will make owning a pet even more special and rewarding.
Ultimately, building this unique bond with your dog means that you can trust your furry friend around strangers and other animals in unpredictable situations.
Well-trained dogs really are a man’s best friend.