Attention dog owners of Asheville & Surrounding Areas: we’ve got a serious reputation to uphold! If you haven’t heard, Asheville is lovingly nicknamed Dog City USA in large part because of how many dog-friendly establishments you can find around town.
That means that both local and visiting dog owners are bringing their dogs just about everywhere in Asheville. If we want to keep the fun going, we’ve got a responsibility to make sure that our dogs are well-trained.

Dog training isn’t just about learning a few tricks. It’s about building a relationship of trust with your dog and giving them the tools they need to have positive experiences wherever they go.
Ready to learn more? Read on as we talk about the importance of dog training and all of the incredible reasons that you need dog training in NC.

Dog Training Builds Strong Bonds
Training a dog the right way involves positive interaction and positive experiences. If you find yourself using harsh measures to train your dog, you’re likely doing more damage than good. If you’re encouraging and rewarding good behavior while correcting “bad” behavior, you’re allowing your dog to grow and learn while building a relationship of trust.
Remember, even dogs that seem naturally well-behaved require structure and guidance. When you teach your dog how to react and behave properly in different situations, you set both them and yourself up for a happy and loving relationship.

Dog Training Makes Communication Easier
Dogs may be human’s best friend, but they’re a lot different than we are. They don’t communicate the same way and can’t tell you how they’re feeling with words. Plus, each dog is unique and may show things like joy, apprehension, and fear differently.
Dog training enables you to spend focused, quality time getting to know your dog and how he or she reacts to different cues and situations. During dog training sessions, you will learn how to read your dog’s body language. In addition, you will teach your dog what it means when you communicate so that he or she can respond appropriately.

Dog Training Keeps Your Dog’s Mind Sharp & Satisfy’s It’s Doggie Nature
Dog training doesn’t just impact your dog’s ability to behave or follow commands. Dogs often act up, digging in the yard or chewing up your favorite shoes, not because they’re “bad” but because they’re under stimulated. A bored dog is a naughty dog!
Owners have a tendency to assume that frequent exercise is enough to keep their pup from slipping into boredom territory. The truth is that your dog also enjoys mental stimulation in addition to exercise. Many times dog training can be done in a game type of format which not only make things fun and exciting for you and your dog while learning but is also critical for your dog’s development and is a much higher form of social interaction you’re having with your dog. Taking the time to work on a variety of commands while having fun is a great way to keep your dog’s mind sharp and engaged–and to keep your shoes intact.

Dog Training Protects Your Dog
If you’ve ever gone through the harrowing experience of searching for a missing dog, you know how devastating it is when they run away or get lost. Dogs that aren’t trained are more prone to getting lost because they may bolt if they get the chance. Remember, dogs are instinctual creatures, and that instinct often tells them to run, especially if there’s something worth chasing.
Training allows you to counteract that instinct. A well-trained dog won’t go far if they break out of the yard. If they somehow slip their leash, they’ll listen when you tell them to come or stay.
Getting lost is not ideal for any pooch. By providing them with training, you keep them safe by helping them learn how to fight instincts that may get them into trouble.

Dog Training Protects Others
Unfortunately, dog bites are a concern that owners should take seriously. Even if your dog is calm and friendly with you, an untrained dog may struggle to self-regulate around other people. Dogs tend to bite when they feel threatened or scared, which can happen both in your own home and out in the world.
The reality is that one in five dog bites require medical care. There can be serious repercussions for dog bites in North Carolina, including civil cases and a 10-day quarantine for the dog in question. Bear in mind that the victim of a dog bite in North Carolina does not have to prove that you were negligent in order to file a case against you.
As we mentioned already, training builds trust. When your dog is well-trained and trusts you, they are more likely to stay calm when faced with other people.

Dog Training Prepares Your Dog for Pack Play
At their core, dogs are social creatures that enjoy existing in a pack. You may find that your dog is on the shy side, and that’s okay. While they may never crave a day at the dog park, group training will make them more comfortable with canine socialization.
Living in Dog City USA, it can do wonders for your dog to make them more comfortable in the presence of other furry friends. Through training, you can help them learn when it’s appropriate to roughhouse and when it isn’t. Training makes pack play easier for both shy and social dogs.

Dog Training Is Rewarding for Everyone
At the end of the day, dogs enjoy a life of structure, satisfaction and guidance. When you invest time and energy into proper dog training, you create a happy and rewarding life for both you and your dog. Plus, you make it safer and more pleasurable for others, from family members to strangers, to interact with your dog.
The best part is, you don’t have to do it alone. Our expert dog trainers are here to offer both you and your dog of any age the guidance needed for success.

Work With Our Expert Dog Trainers at Asheville Dog Academy
Now that you understand why dog training is what makes the difference in having the bet relationship possible with your dog, it’s time to get started! At Asheville Dog Academy, we offer a variety of dog training programs in NC, from private lessons to group classes and in- home training.

To get started, contact us today. We can’t wait to help you and your pup become better citizens of Dog City, USA!