10 Best Reasons to Use a Dog Trainer

Getting a new puppy is both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You initially get caught up in the cuteness factor and can’t wait to go on walks, take that first trip to the dog park and experience the unconditional love when you walk through the door. Then reality sets in, and now you have to think about crate training, what is the best food to buy, picking a good and reputable veterinarian, and making sure any undesirable behavior is unlearned before bad habits stick. Where do you start? After everything’s considered, it really is a good idea to enroll your puppy in training early so you are off to a great start with a happy, healthy, and well-behaved dog.

1. Socializing your puppy in a controlled, safe environment without actual physical contact. If you opt to take your vaccinated puppy to a physical location, this is a great way to meet other puppies without having to have actual contact by being near other puppies. This format allows for a safe meeting without worry.
2. Learning prosocial behaviors before “accidentally” teaching ones you have to “unlearn” at a later time. It’s like getting a running start before the race! Without knowing it, you can sometimes inadvertently teach behaviors that turn out to be a nightmare later, and learning basic commands early on can just be the start your puppy needs. 
3. Experience. Experience. Experience. Most dog trainers are so vested in teaching dogs, loving dogs and have a long history of wanting you to have the best, most well-behaved dog. By helping train your puppy, you (the humans) are learning great habits that last a lifetime and in turn, allow your dog to be adjusted for public spaces. It can be embarrassing to have the worst behaved dog at the park. Um. I might be speaking from experience!
4. Learning new tricks. Knowing that dogs learn via nose first, then sound and finally eyes, it makes sense that teaching your dog new tricks with sign language and then commands make perfect sense. They then associate the sign with your words, which helps cement the “new” trick they are learning. With time and consistency, s/he will be showing off her/his new skill in no time.
5. Treats. I am a big believer in single ingredient treats. With all the new food choices, treats and doggie gear, your trainer will help you avoid the marketing tricks and “bad” choices at the store. Most trainers have a vested knowledge base of nutritious and healthy treats in today’s market. Bypass all the marketing ads and avoid treats with gross fillers by asking your trainer to make recommendations.
6. Crate Training. Whether you choose to crate train or not, having the knowledge of getting your puppy comfortable in the crate is helpful. This method of training is an option that can help pet parents have some freedoms when it comes to work, travel and just adjusting to a new environment. Most trainers can give tips and offer the best way to crate train your puppy to avoid the pitfalls of avoidance, whining and crying. 
7. Did you know that when it comes to using a leash, most of us are doing it wrong. Have you ever watched a National Dog Show and was amazed how the dogs did not bite, twist or break free from their leashes? A trainer will demonstrate and walk-through how to properly use the leash for more enjoyable walks with your furry friend.
8. Although your dog will probably never stop biting and chewing on things, you can actually gain knowledge on the stages of biting from those puppy teeth (more like daggers) to adult teeth. Dogs sometimes bite things when they’re bored, tired, stressed or anxious. Knowing what to do in those moments can be invaluable. Some teething suggestions can even come from your home without having to purchase expensive products or lose valuable things that disappear from the floor!
9. Immediate correction. Now, this may seem obvious, but it is not always practiced in real time. All of us get caught up in the throws of life and sometimes forgot what we and/ or our dog are doing. Trainers offer quick corrections to improve our interactions and in turn, can lead to monumental results.
10. A good investment on your return. Most trainers can fit into any budget like most things. You can enroll your pup into a class at your local pet store (most offer training for all stages), enlist a private trainer that comes to your home and even join dog communities that offer classes and programs to help in almost anything dog-related. Investing your time, patience and budget in the beginning can avoid costly mistakes in the future. It really is a good investment for you and your dog and by the way, you have already probably invested so much already in getting your puppy.