You and Your Dog
There are many reasons that pet owners choose to train their dogs. Basic training may involve obedience, carrying out simple tasks (such as rolling over, “playing dead”, fetching slippers, leash training, and so forth). Dogs may also be taught how to do more complex jobs, for example retrieving birds during a pheasant or duck hunt. Historically, dogs have also been used to assist humans in exploration and discovery, from newly-discovered jungles in the tropics to the barren ice of the Arctic and Antarctic poles.
In modern times, dogs have become useful aids and companion to individuals with impaired vision and other disabilities. Guide dogs help blind people to easily navigate busy streets and to cross roads safely.
As described above, dog training can take on many forms and requires varying amount of time and effort, depending on the trick or behaviour required. Different methods are used, but most trainers use a basic system of rewards and punishment as a way to communicate effectively with their animals.