When Did We Start Training Dogs?
Dogs have evolved from wolves and we began teaching and training them about 10,000 years ago. They have been our friends, partners and workers since that time. Selective breeding of dogs has always been done with a specific purpose in mind, positive traits of wolves were chosen, and the dogs were bred for that specific trait.
Training and selective breeding (breeding out certain traits) continued until a specific type of dog was achieved, this is how we have managed to develop dogs for herding live stock, guarding homes, hunting and tracking among many other things.
One problem with today’s dogs is that they are bored; dogs were bred for work, expending energy (both mental and physical) and staying busy. The majority of todays dogs, while well fed, and cared for are bored. We need to train them well and keep them busy and occupied. Working dogs should be trained in ways that allow them to use a lot of energy - this prevents boredom in their lives.
One of the issues with bored dogs is problems with their behavior, neighbors have to listen to a dog that howls and cries at all hours of the day and night. You spend hours filling in holes in the yard where he has dug holes, and these even move to the neighbors prize flower beds!
Certain activities a dog does can be quite successfully used in training, dogs instincts and
behaviors are great training tools for you. Training should be fun for you and your best friend, give him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to intelligence. Remember that a dog will not do what he is not physically capable of doing (that is why there were so many Lassies). However, he will try to do anything you ask because he loves and respects you. Train in short periods of time, and always end a training session with something you know your dog can do, it closes the session on a positive note for you and your dog.
