Dogs are wonderful companions, but they can be a lot of work too. One of the most important things you can do as a dog owner is to teach your dog obedience. This will help keep them safe and make sure that they don’t end up in a rescue centre.

In this podcast and blog post, we will discuss what’s happening at the Coal Face by talking to Megan from Spaniel Aid, we talk about why rescue centres are currently overwhelmed by the number of dogs being put up for rehoming, and why it is so important to teach your dog proper behaviour.

The number of dogs ending up in rescue centres is on the rise

According to the latest figures from the RSPCA and Dogs Trust, the number of dogs ending up in rescue centres is on the rise.

There are a number of reasons for this increase, including life returning to normal after Covid, but one of the main contributory factors is Puppy farming. Puppy farms are commercial breeding establishments that prioritise profit over animal welfare. As a result, puppies bred on these farms are often sick and have behavioural problems. What’s more, many of these puppies are sold through unscrupulous dealers who do not hesitate to lie about their origin or health. As a result, more and more people are finding themselves unable to care for their new puppy and are forced to give them up to a rescue centre.

Of course, it’s not just puppy farmers who are responsible for the increasing number of dogs in rescue centres. Backyard breeders also play a role, as do people who buy a dog on a whim without doing any research into whether or not they can provide the necessary care and attention.

However, by far the biggest contributors to this problem are commercial breeders who place profit above animal welfare.

How can you make sure you are not buying a puppy from an unscrupulouus commercial breeder?

Do your research before you buy a puppy and visit the premises where the puppies are bred and reared. This will give you a good idea of the conditions that the puppies have been raised in and whether or not they have been socialised properly.

It is also important to make sure that you see the puppy with its mother before you buy it. This will give you an indication of the health of the puppy and whether or not it has been well cared for.

If you are thinking of buying a pedigree puppy, make sure that you go to a reputable breeder who can show you evidence of good health and temperament in the parents and grandparents of the puppy.

Never buy a puppy from a pet shop, as there is no way of knowing where the puppy has come from or what conditions it has been raised in.

Remember, a responsible breeder will be more interested in finding good homes for their puppies than making a quick profit, so they are not likely to sell their puppies through a pet shop.

Dogs are often put up for rehoming because they haven’t been taught obedience

When you get a new puppy, it is important to start training them straight away. This will help them to understand what is expected of them and will set the foundation for a good relationship between you and your dog.

There are a number of different ways to train your dog, but the most important thing is to be consistent. Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement, so make sure you praise your dog when they do something right.

It is also important to be patient and never punish your dog for making a mistake. This will only serve to confuse them and make them fear you.

If you are having difficulty training your dog yourself, there are a number of professional trainers who can help you. And of course, we are here to help too.

The most important thing to remember is that dogs need to be trained in order to be well-behaved. A lack of obedience training is one of the main reasons why dogs are put up for rehoming.

Teaching your dog obedience is one of the most important things you can do as a dog owner

As a dog owner, one of the most important things you can do is to teach your dog obedience. A well-behaved dog is a joy to have around, and it is also much safer for both your dog and others. Obedience training can be started at any age, but it is best to start when your dog is young. There are many different obedience commands that you can teach your dog, but the most important ones are the sit, stay, come, and down commands. With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to obey these commands, and you will soon have a well-behaved furry friend.

It is important to remember that dogs need to be trained in order to be well-behaved. A lack of obedience training is one of the main reasons why dogs are put up for rehoming. If you need help training your dog check out our membership and courses.

Spaniel Aid can be contacted through their website here


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