Ensuring they are properly trained is one of the most important responsibilities owners have to their dogs. Training not only helps dogs and humans engage and communicate with each other but also provides key mental stimulation. Training should take place from the earliest possible opportunity and be carried out on a regular basis, but may realistically lapse if not maintained. As dog trainers, we are often approached by clients who have reached the point where their pet or working dog needs retraining. While often avoidable, these are some of the signs we have come to recognise that may indicate your dog needs retraining:

1. At a most basic level, your dog may need retraining if you notice it has become disinterested in, and apathetic towards you. Dog should view their owner as being at the centre of their life, and if this is not the case then this should urgently be addressed. Often, this is due to basic training-based bonding not being carried out at an early stage, and should be relatively easily addressed with small amounts of consistently delivered obedience work

2. All dogs should understand basic commands such as heel, sit, stay, leave, no, down, and come. If these have been forgotten or are being regularly ignored, then this would indicate retraining is needed. All owners should have a basic level of control over their dogs, and if this is not the case then it must be remedied as soon as possible. An out of control dog can be a danger to itself as well as other dogs and people, and in such cases retraining should be a priority

3. If your dog appears bored and not getting fulfilment from its normal activities with you, it may benefit from a course of retraining. Training can provide some of the highest levels of mental engagement and stimulation, and can be remarkably diverse in how it can take form. Basic to advanced obedience, tracking, or even heelwork to music are all good options and could be just what your dog means

As lifelong dog owners and lovers, we would never suggest that there is a time where a dog would not benefit from training. Dogs will always benefit from either being retrained or having pre-existing training “topped up”. We offer a range of training solutions and are always happy to discuss them with prospective clients. To find out more, feel free to reach out to us via phone, email, or any of our social media feeds.