That old canine companion can generate a lot of joy on the home front, but a lack of proper dog training can often cause him to become more than a minor inconvenience. Dogs that are improperly educated can become the largest challenge facing many pet owners, as a lack of understanding can cause these animals to challenge their owners on many behavioral issues. The good news is that a structured program of education in a canine school can help to ensure that these animals become the well-trained and well-adjusted pets they were meant to be.

Self-training

Of course, a great many people still try to train their pets themselves. This has been the norm for many, many years, and most people experience quite a bit of success with this homegrown method. In fact, this is the way that most canines learn those simple commands that instruct them to sit, stay, and lie down. These basics are essential for the animal's education.

Nevertheless, there are some things that this type of informal schooling seldom teaches. Without a third party providing training, many dogs end up with gaps in their understanding. These gaps are among the most common sources for bad behavior from canines, and can be more adequately corrected by expert trainers in a professional educational environment.

Determining the boss

Often times, animals that are trained by their masters in an exclusive one-on-one manner never fully come to terms with their role in the family. Many of these animals resist the natural structure that places their human masters at the top of the pack hierarchy. This problem often stems from the fact that so many canine owners are so easily manipulated by their pets and give in to their many demands.

A good canine school of instruction will focus on firmly establishing the proper hierarchy in the animal's mind. By the end of his period of instruction, he will come to recognize that humans are the dominant partners in the relationship, and attempts at manipulating those humans will be greatly reduced. In the long run, this is one of the most important lessons that any canine can learn.

Consistency

If there is one area in which most home teaching comes up short, it is in the area of consistency. Because of scheduling issues and other distractions, many humans have an understandable problem when it comes to maintaining a steady course of education. This can lead to confusion for the pet, as he struggles to adapt to the changing regimen. The professional trainers understand this fact and design their educational programs to give maximum structure and consistency.

In the best interests of the dogs

Most important of all is the fact that untrained dogs are seldom happy dogs. Like children, dogs are happiest when they fully understand their place within the family pack. When boundaries are well established, pets have an easier time adjusting to a consistent pattern of behavior. Professional trainers can help to set up those boundaries.

Though a formal period of instruction obviously costs more than self-training at home, it is far less expensive than dealing with many of the most common behavioral problems that can arise when dogs are not properly trained. As a result, most families that make the investment necessary to provide proper dog training for their beloved family pets find that the cost is more than justified.