Many people think, “My dog isn’t applying to Harvard, so why bother training it?” But the truth is, smart dogs actually want you to set clear “rules.” The clearer the rules you establish, the more reliable your dog will think you are, and the more secure it will feel. Dogs genuinely enjoy the “training” process for several key reasons:
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Dogs Need Affirmation, and Training Is an Important Way for Them to Realize Their “Self-Worth”
In the wild, dogs have roles and work together—some hunt, while others “stand guard” as lookouts. They gain recognition through these “tasks,” and the need to feel “needed” is deeply embedded in their instincts. When a dog receives the “fetch the ball” command and runs to bring it back, it experiences not only the joy of running but also the sense of accomplishment from “completing a task.” Studies show that free-roaming dogs and those involved in training are both relaxed, but interestingly, it’s the trained dogs that are more at ease. Having clear goals and direction helps them feel more secure.
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Training Deepens the Emotional Bond Between You and Your Dog
For dogs, the most valuable reward isn’t treats—it’s the full attention and companionship of their owner. In daily life, owners are often busy with work or glued to their phones, but during training, they focus entirely on the dog’s every action, offering timely verbal praise and physical affection. This kind of “one-on-one” quality interaction triggers the release of happiness hormones in dogs. Just like how friends enjoy each other’s company through unspoken understanding, dogs also feel a strong sense of belonging through their owner’s commands.
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Training Satisfies Dogs’ “Cognitive Needs”
Dogs are quite intelligent, and some can be comparable to a 3-4-year-old child. Without mental stimulation, they can get incredibly bored. For example, when teaching Sunny not to eat food off the floor, we place its favorite jerky in front of it. It watches us closely, adjusting its behavior, and when it gets it right, we reward it. At this moment, the dog experiences a noticeable sense of accomplishment. The mental effort required during this process is energy-draining. Dogs who lack intellectual stimulation often engage in destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or excessive barking—essentially, they’re “bored into mischief.”
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The Key to Making Training Enjoyable for Dogs Is a “Scientific Approach”
Punitive training creates fear in dogs, but positive reinforcement—using treats, praise, and play as rewards—makes training a fun and rewarding experience. Many patient pet owners have successfully used scientific training methods to help initially fearful dogs become more confident. Dogs that used to bark at other dogs can slowly learn to socialize normally with proper training.
Training is Never About “Taming,” But About Helping Dogs Integrate into Our Society While Preserving Their Nature.Training is never about “taming” a dog. Instead, it’s about helping them understand how to fit into our world in a way they can grasp, all while keeping their natural instincts intact. So, when you think, “My dog just wants to play, no need for training,” try changing your perspective: You’re not “teaching” them; you’re playing a game that requires teamwork. And along the way, they’re picking up skills.Do you spend time training your dog on basic skills?
