Fran on Friday
Why do we train our dogs? Why do we do anything? Unless it’s mandatory, like our jobs that keep a roof over our heads and food on the table, why do we do anything? Because it makes us happy! I listen to music that makes me happy. I read books that I enjoy. I learn things that enhance my enjoyment of life. I exercise because I like to eat. Also because I enjoy running Booker in Agility, and training Tango in Rally Obedience, and exercise.
So, why do I train my dogs? Why does training them make me happy? Having dogs that are well-behaved in public is easier than dogs that are ill-behaved, that’s for sure! And having dogs that will do what I want them to, even at home, makes life so much easier. If I tell my dogs to “go kennel,” I know that they’ll run into their crates, and I can leave the house with an easy conscience. My dogs are safe and happy, and I’ll be on time for work, or an appointment. Sure, people remark on what good dogs I have if we’re walking down the street together, my dog close to my left side. That’s nice (and so are ribbons that we earn at competitions), but the main reason I train my dogs is to make my life easier. I love having dogs, and having well-trained dogs makes me happy.
