Well, it is winter in Boston. Now is the best time to train your dog in preparation for warmer weather. While training your dog is always beneficial, winter training has additional benefits.
Stress Reduction
The first benefit is that it reduces the stress you and your dog feel due to living with another species. Dogs cause us stress, and we cause them stress. Dogs walk an average of 10-12 miles per hour, and we walk an average of 2-3 miles an hour. Due to our desire to keep our dogs safe and to the leash laws in our commonwealth, we must leash our dogs during walks. The leash is usually 6 feet long. This causes the pulling sensation that many of us feel, and it causes a dragging or restraining feeling for our dog. Pulling in the winter can be more dangerous than pulling in warmer weather because the ground could be slippery, and the cold can affect our ability to hold the leash. Teaching a dog anything (ie, to walk on a loose leash) helps us teach them everything, including good manners. So, as we train, we eliminate other stressors and annoyances, further reducing our stress levels and increasing our enjoyment.
Life Enrichment
The second benefit is the enrichment of life. Dogs look forward to training. Why? Because training is one of the few times we pay undivided quality attention to our dogs. When training is done well, the dog is having fun learning, and we are having fun teaching the dog. During the winter, we tend to be less active with our dogs. The additional attention gets their mind moving. Learning what you teach burns mental energy, stimulates growth through understanding, and improves behavior—making it easier for you to enrich your days with more activities.
Preparation For Summer
The third benefit to training in the winter is summer is coming. Summer is the best time of year to own a dog. It is easy to get them outside, and they are welcome to join many outdoor activities. We have goals for the summer. Training in the winter will give you the time to teach and proof new skills before summer so that you can allow your dog off the leash and know they will come back when you call them. Or you can teach them how to be calm and respectful on the leash, making it easier to take them to the outdoor cafe or the brewery.
Reach Out To Argos Dog Training Today!
There are many more reasons to focus on training and communication with your dog during the winter. To many to mention in this short blog. Please contact us if you would like help training your dog so that you can Enjoy Your Dog!!!