Dog training is a responsibility that falls squarely on the shoulders of the owners. Often, behavioral problems in dogs are unjustly attributed to the animals when, in reality, the root of the issue lies in the lack of preparation, knowledge, or commitment of the owner. The following story perfectly illustrates this situation and leads us to reflect on the importance of educating both dogs and their owners.
During a usual walk with my Cane Corso, a large and powerful dog that requires proper supervision and training, I encountered a worrying situation. I crossed paths with a woman who was struggling to control her dog. While I was walking my dog, as always with his muzzle on, I noticed that her dog was off-leash. Realizing our presence, she tried to grab the dog, but it wouldn’t respond to her commands. The animal was completely uncontrollable.
As I got a bit closer, always keeping a safe distance of about four meters, the dog started getting agitated. The woman, visibly overwhelmed, apologized repeatedly, saying, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, but my dog is a devil, it’s super bad, it’s the worst.” Unfortunately, this phrase is more common than it should be.
Is It Normal for a Dog to Be Uncontrollable?
The first question that arises in situations like this is whether it’s truly normal for a dog to be uncontrollable. The answer is clear: no, it is not. Dogs are not born knowing how to behave in a human environment, but they are also not born “bad.” A dog’s behavior is a direct result of its environment, socialization, and, most importantly, its training.
Owners must guide their dogs, teach them how to behave, and establish clear boundaries. If a dog is uncontrollable, it’s a reflection of the lack of leadership and training on the part of the owner. This is especially true for large and powerful breeds like the Cane Corso, where dog training is essential to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Choosing a Dog: An Important Decision
One of the key points that many people do not adequately consider is the choice of dog. Dogs do not choose their owners; it’s the owners who choose their dogs. This is a fundamental aspect that must be taken into account when acquiring or adopting a dog. Each breed has specific characteristics and needs, and it is crucial that the owner is aware of them before making a decision.
For example, Cane Corsos are loyal, protective, and very intelligent dogs, but they are also strong and need a clear and consistent leader. If a person is not prepared to assume the role of leader, a dog like the Cane Corso can develop problematic behaviors. In this sense, it is vital that future owners inform themselves and prepare before deciding what type of dog they will bring home.
Dog Training: The Key to Canine Behavior
Dog training is the most powerful tool to ensure that a dog behaves appropriately in any situation. However, this training is not just for the dog; it’s also for the owner. This is where one of the biggest challenges lies: the lack of understanding by many owners of the importance of their role in training.
The first rule of any professional dog trainer is that the blame is never the dog’s, but the owner’s. This may seem harsh, but it’s an essential truth that must be accepted by anyone who wants to own a dog. Dogs act based on their instincts and the environment around them. If a dog shows bad behavior, it’s because it hasn’t been properly taught how to act in that situation.
The Need for Owner Education
Since a dog’s behavior is a reflection of its education, it’s logical that exams and regulations should be more focused on owners than on dogs. However, many current laws tend to focus on the dog, especially based on its breed, rather than evaluating the owner’s ability to properly handle their pet.
It’s frustrating to see laws being implemented without considering the reality of dog training and the need to educate owners. The situation described at the beginning is a clear example of how a lack of responsibility and knowledge on the part of an owner can lead to serious problems. Owners must be the focus of education since they are the ones who have the power to influence their dogs’ behavior.
The Role of Laws and Political Responsibility
In many cases, laws and regulations regarding dogs seem disconnected from the reality of proper animal training and management. Legislation is introduced that imposes restrictions based on the dog’s breed or size, but these measures do not address the root of the problem: the lack of education and responsibility of the owners.
As Winston Churchill famously said, “The main difference between man and other animals is that other animals would never allow the least intelligent member to lead the pack.” This quote reflects an uncomfortable truth: often, the least qualified are the ones making decisions that affect everyone, including our canine companions.
Instead of creating laws that punish dogs based on their breed or behavior, we should focus on educating owners and ensuring that only those truly prepared to handle a dog do so. This would involve implementing mandatory training programs for future dog owners, exams that assess their ability to be effective leaders, and the promotion of positive and consistent training practices.
The Relationship Between Owner and Dog: More Than a Trainer, a Psychologist
One of the realities faced by any dog trainer is that they often find themselves working more with the owners than with the dogs themselves. Dogs, by nature, are social and adaptable animals; they are willing to learn and follow a leader who is clear and consistent. However, when owners do not understand their role or are unwilling to commit to training, behavioral problems are inevitable.
It’s common for trainers to feel like they are acting more as psychologists than as dog trainers. This reflects the need for greater education and support for owners. It’s not just about teaching basic commands, but about helping owners understand the psychology of their dog and how their behavior directly affects their pet’s behavior.
The Importance of Consistency and Positive Reinforcement
One of the most important aspects of dog training is consistency. Dogs need to know what is expected of them and what the limits are. This can only be achieved through consistent training, where the rules and expectations are clear and applied consistently.
Positive reinforcement is another key tool in dog training. Rewarding good behavior is much more effective than punishing bad behavior. Dogs respond better when motivated by rewards, whether treats, praise, or playtime. This approach not only improves the dog’s behavior but also strengthens the bond between the owner and their pet.
The Key to Good Behavior Lies with the Owner
Dog training is not an easy task, but it is essential to ensure harmonious coexistence between the dog and its environment. Behavioral problems in dogs are not the result of an innate “badness” in the animal but of a lack of leadership and training by the owner.
It is time that, as a society, we stop blaming dogs for behaviors that are, in reality, a reflection of our own lack of preparation and responsibility. Owners must take on their role as leaders and educators of their pets, and laws and regulations must focus on ensuring that only those truly capable of handling a dog can do so.
In summary, the next time you see a badly behaved dog, instead of blaming the animal, reflect on the owner’s responsibility and the importance of training. And if you are a dog owner, remember that you have the power to shape your canine companion’s behavior, always with patience, consistency, and love.
Best regards to all, and remember: dog training begins with the education of the owner.