When should a dog just be a dog?

[Sandy]

I've been thinking, and when I was a kid, I do not remember anyone that took their dog to dog training school, or even that there were dog training schools. I just wonder when we felt the need to do all this training, and if it has taken away the "dogness" of dogs. I had several dogs growing up, and we just got them, taught them the basics, and integrated them into the family. Now it seems that unless they can do a 30 minute down-stay, exhibit no excitement at meeting people or other dogs, and have a couple of dog school diplomas under their belts, they are not good dogs. Or rather, that we are not good people, because we didn't put the time in to do the training. I do know for sure that my parents never spent time daily training a dog, and I don't remember having a dog that was a problem.


So I guess my doodle debate question is - is all this extensive training necessary, or have we gone too far the other way?

[Adina P]

AAAAHHHHH dogs playing on a big beach....SO fun to watch! We had the best time two summers ago when we rented a cabin on the beach on the Oregon coast. Since it was the end of September and too chilly for us to swim it was immeasurably more fun to have the pooches with us and see them enjoy romping.

I agree it's an individual thing and if one's dogs are not a "problem" then they are not a problem. It's only when I see people struggle with behaviors that I think "MAN...they really need to find an effective trainer and hunker down and TRAIN their hearts out--they will be SO glad they did."

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

It just depends on what you want I guess. My dad (RIP) was soo funny. I used to get my dog to do tricks and he would chastise me "what the heck are you doing that for? Leave her alone. Dont do that!" LOL. He didnt believe in training the dog to do anything at all (except not pee in the house) In the end you'd think he has a dumbell mutt? His own dog? Bruno amazingly picked up the English language or something automatically and he would "sit" "stay" "move". Just from being side by sided with the retired old man day in and day out.

I find dogs to be somewhat like children, you have to teach them things, even if it is basic manners, they enjoy learning and pleasing. I think it is good for the dog.

On the other hand if a person doesnt care that the dog is taught anything and they just hang out and eat, sleep, poop....that works for them - fine.

[Dreamydoodles Northwest]

I think people all want to own an obedient dog. I don't know if everyone thinks the way you mentioned though. In fact I don't know anyone personally that has a dog like that.
Are you talking about dog owners you've met online? Or are these people you know personally?
Because if you're referring to dog owners that you've met online.. then yeah it may seem like "everyone" is overly obsessed with training but then again that would depend on what group your talking to. .
I've met very few of these types of people in real life for example in my neighborhood or out at dog parks.
I live in Portland Oregon which is supposed to be one of the friendliest dog cities in America.
Most of the dog owners I've met would fit more into the description you gave of your family dogs. They know the basics and that's about it. So to answer your question.. from my personal observation I think the everyday joe dog owner could use more dog education and could do more training.
To me personally training is important and so is socialization. I want to have a dog I can take anywhere and have them be calm and un-reactive. I've personally taken the time to educate myself and I know the only way to have a dog like that is to train them and to socialize them. But this may not be important to everyone and I think even it was most of them are not going to take the time that's needed to accomplish it. :) Which is fine too. Just as long as people love and enjoy their dogs I think that is more important then training.