Training the hooman is just as important as training me

Alright, hoomans, gather round—I’ve got a tail-wagging tale for you. You see, I’m not just the handsome, cheeky Rottweiler you all adore. Oh no, I’m also the proud graduate of two whole years of doggy obedience training. That’s right, two years of learning how to “sit,” “stay,” and *not* bolt after every cheeky magpie. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Did my hooman survive the process without shedding a tear? Barely. But let me tell you, those two years transformed me from “Thor the Chaos Bringer” to “Thor the Goodest Boy” (most of the time). Let’s chew over why a little structure can go a long way, not just for me, but for your furry mate too.

Training: It’s Not Just for Border Collies

Let’s get one thing straight. Training isn’t reserved for super-smart, frisbee-catching working dogs. Whether your pup is a curious Labrador, a cheeky Chihuahua, or a moody Bulldog, regular training is life-changing for both of you. It’s not about turning your floofball into a doggy robot—it’s about creating a bond, building trust, and setting clear boundaries. Plus, it makes life at the dog park a whole lot less embarrassing. Trust me, there’s no joy in being the hooman yelling, “Come back, Spot!” for the fifth time while your dog chases a butterfly like a mad big-eared kangaroo.

So Why Did I Need Two Years?

Oh, mate, where do I start? I may look all calm and collected now, but let me spill a little secret: Rottweilers like me are strong, determined, and—let’s be real—a tad *stubborn.* (Don’t all nod at once, you cheeky hoomans.) I needed loads of time to not only learn commands but also to figure out why I shouldn’t always do things my way. I had to get used to distractions, hooman rules, and—ugh—the concept of patience. That last one was tough.

Why Your Dog Might Need It Too

Okay, let’s talk about your pup. Every dog is different, but one universal truth stands: training isn’t just helpful, it's essential. Here’s why you should consider it:

• Safety: Teaching commands like “sit,” “leave it,” or “come” can literally save a dog’s life when they’re tempted to dash across a busy road or chomp on something dodgy.
• Better Behaviour: Nobody likes a pup that jumps on visitors or nicks your sandwich the second you turn around. Training curbs these cheeky habits.
• Bonding: Training is like having a heart-to-heart with your dog—complete with snacks. The more time you spend together learning, the stronger your pupper’s faith in you as their leader grows.
• Socialisation: A well-trained pup is a better-behaved member of dog society. No one wants their pooch to be the dog park diva.

Thor’s Paw-some Tips for Obedience Training

Since I’m a certified expert in all things woof (and because I’ve already made all the rookie mistakes for you), here are some pearls of doggy wisdom to make training a bit smoother:

1. Start Early, Start Small: Training is best begun while us pups are wee little fluffballs, but it’s never too late. Even senior dogs can learn new tricks. (Yes, that saying is absolute rubbish!)
2. Be Consistent: If “Off the sofa” is a rule on Mondays, it should be the rule seven days a week. Mixed signals make for confused woofers—and you don’t want that.
3. Patience, Hooman: We might be clever, but we’re not mind-readers. Repetition and calm guidance go a lot farther than frustration.
4. All Hail the Almighty Treat: Rewards, whether they’re in the form of snacks, belly rubs, or squeaky praise, make our doggy hearts sing. Positive reinforcement for the win!
5. Get Professional Help: If your pup has big energy or unique behaviour challenges, a professional trainer can work wonders. Seriously, they’re like dog whisperers with better snacks.

The Big Payoff: A Happier, More Harmonious Life

After two years of training, I became (dare I say it?) a much more refined version of myself. I could stroll through the park without pulling my lead like a freight train. I finally mastered the art of “stay” (even when a tasty sandwich was just sitting right there). And my hooman? They found newfound confidence in taking me anywhere without worrying I’d explode into a full-blown zoomie frenzy.

But the best part? The bond we share has become unbreakable. Training taught us how to communicate, how to respect each other, and how to have all the fun without all the chaos. And isn’t that what being a pack is all about?

Final Bark (and a Quick Tail Wag)

Hoomans, here’s my advice straight from the paws: commit to training your furry mate. Stick with it. Whether it’s two months, two years, or a lifetime of little lessons, the effort you put in will come back tenfold in loyalty, love, and hilariously well-timed tricks (yes, even the one with the fake sneeze).

Oh, and when it comes to snacks as rewards? Go big. Life’s too short for boring kibble. 🐾

Speaking of rewards, your local hardware store (psst, the one I secretly run when I’m not napping) is always stocked with goodies—not for pups, but for their hoomans. Pop by for tools, tips, and maybe even some cheeky doggy chats with yours truly. Until next time, wag on! 🐕

Cheers,
Thor and his obedient hooman Candeece