The Importance of your Dog’s Natural Talents in Dog Training.
At The NDTA our dog training specialises in helping dogs use their natural instincts in meaningful ways. Giving your dog opportunity to use their natural instinct in meaningful ways, not only keeps your dog happier but it also improves and maintains their general behaviour. This type of dog training also deepens the bond between dogs and their owners.
Read below, the benefits of training dogs to engage in activities like retrieving and scent work, and why these activities are crucial for their development and well-being.
### Understanding Natural Canine Behaviours
Dogs possess inherent skills that are deeply rooted in their genetics.
For centuries, gundogs have been bred to assist in hunting and retrieving game. Even if your dog is not a working gundog, but a dog of gundog breed, it will quite likely still have the natural drive and ability to perform these tasks.
Many dogs have a natural ‘chase’ instinct which can get them into all sorts of trouble. Constantly throwing a ball for your dog, can result in injury. Engaging with your dog to fulfil their natural is about giving them a job that fulfils them mentally and physically.
### The Benefits of Retrieving
Retrieving is a fantastic way for dogs to exercise both their bodies and minds. It teaches them focus, discipline, and responsiveness. For gundogs such as Labradors, Retrievers, and Spaniels, retrieving is more than just a game; it’s a vital part of their identity.
Training your pet gundog to retrieve can help curb unwanted behaviours, such as excessive barking or chewing, which often stem from boredom or under-stimulation.
Our training classes are for fun, but you can choose to take the path more seriously, as you work through our Pet Gundog Gradings. Any breed that enjoys chasing a ball is welcome. We are not breed specific in any activity that we do.
Progression through our grading scheme, not only keeps the training engaging for the dog but also gives you, the owner, a thrilling insight into what your dog can actually achieve.
Check out our pet gundog training
### The Power of Scent Work
Scent work is another enriching activity that all dogs can enjoy, regardless of their breed. This type of dog training harnesses a dog’s exceptional sense of smell, which is vastly superior to that of humans. Activities like truffle hunting not only provide mental stimulation but also offer a fun, rewarding challenge for both dog and owner.
During scent work training, dogs learn to identify and locate specific scents, which can range from the scent of a truffle buried underground to hidden treats. This form of training improves problem-solving skills and builds confidence, making it a great activity for nervous dogs.
The joy and excitement you see in a dog’s tail, when they successfully find, a scent is truly rewarding to witness.
Check out our Truffle Hunting courses
### The Power of Herding
Have you heard of Treibball? This is another activity that gives the herding breeds opportunity to excel at their natural talent. It’s a great fun activity to do with dogs bred to herd, using balls.
The skills needed for Treibball are many for both dog and owner.
This is a great activity for dogs that are ball obsessed, especially football sized balls. It teaches calm behaviour around a ball, by giving them tremendous benefit.
Check out our Treibball (herding) Courses
### How Instinct Dog Training Improves Overall Behaviour
Engaging dogs in activities that use their natural talents has a profound impact on their general behaviour. Dogs who participate in structured activities are less likely to develop destructive habits and generally exhibit better overall behaviour. Your dog will feel ‘satisfied.’ We all need a sense of achievement and your dog is no different.
They become more attentive, responsive to commands, as you have more to offer them. It gives you exciting things to do in the garden and the park, which in itself, helps to keep them more focused on you.
The mental exhaustion from activities like retrieving and scent work can be just as satisfying and more tiring for a dog than physical exercise. This leads to a more relaxed, contented dog at the end of the day.
Check out our specialised classes for pet gundogs, herding breeds and aspiring truffle hunters. We are passionate about bringing out the best in each dog, giving them opportunity to excel.
### Conclusion
Training your dog to engage in activities that use their natural talents does more than just keep them busy; it fulfils their primal needs and enriches their lives in meaningful ways. Whether it’s retrieving, scent work, herding or another skill, these activities provide invaluable mental and physical exercise that contributes to a well-rounded, well-behaved pet.
If you’re interested in seeing your dog reach its full potential, consider enrolling in one of our training classes. Not only will it strengthen your bond with your dog, but it will also provide a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.
Join us and discover the joy of watching your dog excel in what it was born to do.
Start your journey into the fascinating world of dog training.
