10 reasons why a trained dog is a happy dog

Thinking about welcoming a new furry friend into your life and weighing up whether dog training is time well spent? Well we can confirm, fellow pet lover, that it certainly is. The benefits of training are boundless - in short, a trained dog is a happy dog - training forges a buzzing social life, safety outdoors and an unbreakable bond with their humans, just to name a few. 

For more on why a trained dog is a happy one, take a look below. 

Why invest in dog training?

Training your pooch is something you’ll simply never regret. With the right guidance and consistency, new pups (and older dogs) can grow into obedient, confident adult doggos. 

A trained dog is sure of themselves and others, unfazed by other pets and people, and safer outdoors, responding to commands correctly. So, whether it’s affordable dog training classes you opt for or a training program from home, you can be sure your dog will benefit from training, no end.

"Dog training is one important key for a happy pup, both now and in the future - and it's never too late to start." - Rob Kuty - certified master dog trainer, President of San Diego Pet Training and Director of Animal Training at Helen Woodward Animal Center

Are trained dogs happier?

In short, yes - a dog that knows how to respond to the commands of their pet parents will generally be a happier one. With the ability to behave safely in a variety of situations, trained dogs are able to experience the world better, with less stress and confusion.

10 benefits of dog training

1. Protects other dogs and people

A well trained dog is able to attend the dog park, family gatherings, dog-newborn introductions and friend meet-ups, while other pets and people are kept safe.

A pup who has been well-socialized and consistently trained will be safe to interact with other humans, and will often be keen to make new canine companions, too.

2. Walkies are safer

Getting started with obedience training from the off is going to make walkies and time out of the house a whole lot safer for your pup. Knowing how to respond to cues and commands means they’ll be all set to stay away from other dogs and humans you choose, dog park boundaries and of course, moving traffic. 

Just one of the benefits of puppy classes is the recall training they often receive - it’s invaluable for a safe time out of the house.

3. Welcoming dog sitters is simpler

It’s a whole lot easier to look after dogs that are trained - whatever training program you opt for when you welcome a new pooch home. 

And as you might have guessed, pet parents often feel safer leaving a pet sitter with a trained dog who understands commands and the rules of the house, before they jet off for vacation.

4. You can have fun with dog tricks

Once dog owners have mastered basic obedience training and pups are keen to please, it’s fun to teach your pooch a few dog tricks. Learning tricks like speak, bow and dance are a great way to stimulate your dog’s brain and of course, forge an unbreakable bond between you and your furry friend. 

And naturally, while teaching dog tricks makes pet parents hella happy, performing tricks and getting showered with rewards certainly ticks all the boxes for our doggos, too.

5. You can take up agility training together

A well-trained dog that can recall, sit, stay (and all the other basic commands they’ll learn during puppy training) is also more than able to excel at agility training. 

A hobby for not only dog owners but their pups too, just a few of the benefits of agility training for dogs include mental stimulation, weight management, strength, and of course, quality time with their favorite human.

6. Your pup knows where they stand

A benefit of a trained dog often overlooked, your pooch certainly knows where they stand in the household if well-trained - something super important for pack animals. 

A family dog that understands the rules and boundaries of the house they live in is certainly a more relaxed, happy dog - rather than a pooch constantly testing the limits and being told ‘no’ every other command. 

If you choose to welcome an ex-service dog into your home, they’re sure to pick up the rules ultra quickly - something they were used to doing in their working days.

7. You can meet other pet parents

One of the benefits of dog training (alongside the outcome of a confident, happy pooch who knows where they stand in their pack), is that pet parents get the chance to meet other dog owners. 

Whether it’s at puppy training classes, or with your fully-trained doggo in tow at your local dog park, a well-mannered pooch is great company and the perfect conversation starter when surrounded by other dog lovers.

8. Provides mental stimulation

A stint of dog training can be just as tiring for your pup as a walk around the block or a game of fetch, helping to avoid winter blues in dogs and down time. And more often than not, a tired pup is a satisfied, happy one. So, for a happy doggo, remind them of all those cool tricks (and useful ones!) they’ve picked up so far. 

9. You’ll have a stronger bond with your dog

Naturally, a dog that’s got a strong bond with their human family members is a happy one. So, if you need at least one excuse to find affordable dog training in your area before you welcome a new dog, know that a well-trained dog is a happy one that feels part of the pack.

10. Prevents accidents at home

Getting toilet training sorted early is going to avoid messy accidents at home. That’ll mean less embarrassment for your adult dog and much less cleaning up for you!

Dog training tips and advice on on keeping pups happy from the experts

You’re in luck! We sat down with not one, not two, but three canine experts who are here to share their dog training advice, drawing from their years of experience. First, let’s start with expert Dr Marc Abraham, OBE.

Tips on keeping pets happy from expert, Dr Marc Abraham, OBE

We spoke to Dr Marc Abraham OBE - multi-award-winning veterinarian, author, broadcaster, and animal welfare campaigner - over on our community forum about how to keep pets happy. 

Take a look below to explore what he has to say, based on his years of experience in veterinary practice.

“Firstly, feeding your dog or cat a complete, appropriate life-stage diet (including high quality treats) is essential. 

Secondly, making sure you provide your pet with opportunities to perform appropriate levels of exercise, ideally outside, to help both their mental and physical health. 

And thirdly, sourcing a reputable vet for your pet, and dog behaviourist for dog training, so your pet is always fighting fit and under control, especially with the number of pups purchased during lockdown that still remain inadequately socialised.”

Tips for dog training from master dog trainer, Rob Kuty

We also spoke to Rob Kuty - certified master dog trainer, President of San Diego Pet Training and Director of Animal Training at Helen Woodward Animal Center (and so much more). Drawing from his years of experience in training dogs, he shared his top dog training tips with us. Notepads at the ready, as we dive into his dog training advice below.

• “Create space from distractions on a walk by crossing the road or changing directions when needed.
• Give your dog some slack {on the leash} and don’t draw attention to distractions - you will be training your dog to become desensitized to these distractions over time with repetition.
• For dogs to master a behavior, you have to place them in a safe scenario where they can face their fear. When you see a ‘window’ to where your dog displays confidence, praise them! 
• Dogs learn the most from what is unspoken in our daily routines. Dogs thrive on consistency and structure. Since we can’t speak to our dog in complex phrases, this routine is what makes them happy.”

Dog training advice from expert dog behaviorist, Scott Salant

We asked Scott Salant, Dog Manager and Lead Behavior Specialist at Paws Crossed Animal Rescue, for his top tips and advice on dog training - and here they are.

• “It is best to enter (and exit) the home calmly and nonchalantly, and only after a few minutes being home, give them attention.
• I like to find out what motivates the dog to work, for some it's food, for others, it might be toys or the chance to play.
• Burning off some of the energy before starting a training session is a good idea.
• When working with a dog with a troubled past, the key is to go slow, be extra patient, and most importantly find a way to gain the dog's trust.”

Useful resources

• How to toilet train a puppy: a guide to puppy potty training
• How to crate train a dog or puppy: vet-approved steps
• Puppy training for beginners: how to train a puppy
• How to house train an adult dog: bathroom training dogs
• Dog recall training: how to train a dog to come when called