The Importance of Holistic Dog Training
Humans and animals have an incredible relationship, but nothing comes close to the relationship we have with dogs. Dogs have been companions to humans for thousands of years, and in the United States alone, approximately 45% of households share that home with at least one dog. Above and beyond the incredible relationships we can have with these animals, dogs help us save lives, detect medical issues, protect ourselves and our livestock, and carry medicine across the arctic tundra, just to name a few examples. Dogs can be used in therapy and medicine, can reduce emotional distress, and can even be beneficial for your immune system.
A relationship with that much potential and value deserves to be treated with every respect, and a huge part of that is training and education.
Education plays a huge role in how we think, behave and develop. Just like humans, dogs are always learning and have incredible potential, and just like with people, it takes intentional education, opportunities, support and practice to achieve that potential. Although dogs are “Man's best friend”, they are still dogs, and with that comes a long list of canine specific behaviors and needs. While most of these are perfectly natural and healthy, they can become problematic, unhealthy, expensive and even unsafe (for your dog and even for you) when allowed to develop unchecked in our human world.
Training is the foundation of your relationship with your dog, and both handlers and canines benefit greatly from the experience and education. Training can help bridge the gap between humans and dogs by fostering mutual understanding, establishing healthy communication and supporting peaceful cohabitation, and supports you in your role as your dogs Guardian by helping you understand and provide for your dogs needs.
When done correctly, training can help create a healthy and enjoyable relationship between you and your dog, can support your dogs development and well being, can develop good habits, and can prevent or address unwanted behaviors.
The purpose of dog training is always to support you and your dogs health, safety and well-being. Training should always be done ethically and humanely.
Supports You
Gives you the skills and know-how to effectively understand, manage and support your canine.
Authority - Respect - Education - Peace
Benefits Your Dog
Training develops your dogs essential skills and education, and helps your dog understand their world and your expectations.
Skills - Confidence - Security
Supports Your Pack
Teaches manners and communication for peaceful, safe and successful cohabitation and experiences.
Adventures - Safety - Guests - Relationships
What is Holistic Dog Training?
Holistic training is a deeply involved practice that seeks to incorporate as many relevant factors as possible into both the Behavioral Diagnostics area of Canine training, and the educational side.
At its core, Holistic Health is based on the principle that the mind, body and spirit are deeply interconnected, and that wellness in all areas is essential for total wellness and true healing.
Holistic Dog Training considers and then treats the entire Canine as a whole living system, rather than focusing on isolated aspects of Canine behaviors, and seeks to diagnose and address the underlying causes of a behavior. Because of this, Holistic Trainers must have an understanding of many scientific disciplines.
Finding The Right Trainer
While there are many skilled, ethical and knowledgeable professionals out there, finding the right trainer, just like finding the right therapist, can be frustrating and nerve wracking. Different trainers may have different approaches or communication styles, and not everyone is going to be the right fit for you and your dog. Chemistry matters, and finding the right trainer for you can make the training experience much more comfortable and successful.
I remember this one week in particular when I had started two new clients in basic training, and they both decided to go with a different trainer after our first session. When they told me why, I was surprised to hear that they had opposite reasons: one client worried that I would be too gentle with their German Shepherd puppy and would not recommend enough discipline, and the other feared I would be too structured with their Pittie, and would recommend too much discipline. Regardless of whether or not they were correct in their assumptions, I commend both owners for wanting the best for their dog.
As your dog's guardian, you are their only advocate, which is why it’s okay to be worried about finding the right trainer; you are entrusting them with more than just your time and money- you’re trusting them with your dog's well-being. If you’re not sure how to find the right fit for you and your dog, this short guide may be able to help. I want to help you find the right trainer for you, even if it ultimately isn't me.
