Dog training - learning is more than just obedience

What does dog training mean?

When we talk about "training" a dog, many people immediately think of sit, down and heel. But this falls far too short. In reality, training means preparing the dog for a life with humans, accompanying it in its development and giving it the tools it needs to move safely and calmly in our world.

We - Lui & Paulina - do not understand training to mean drill or conditioning, but a relationship based on trust, communication and understanding. Training does not begin with the first command, but with moving into a new home - and it never really ends. Because dogs learn for a lifetime.

What does good dog training involve?

For us, sound training consists of several pillars:

• Relationship work: Who am I to my dog? How do I create trust and orientation?

• Suitability for everyday life: behaviour in the house, on the Leash, in encounters, when left alone or in a restaurant.

• Signal control: Classic commands such as recall, sit, down - but neatly constructed, with real reliability.

• Impulse control & frustration tolerance: An often forgotten but central component. How does my dog learn to regulate himself?

• Bonding and self-efficacy: The dog should experience that its behaviour has an influence - and a positive one at that.

All of this is training. Not just "functioning".

How does a good training programme work?

Training should be customised - to the dog, to the person and to the environment. There is no point in forcing every animal through the same mould. Instead, we start with Vitomalia:

• Everyday learning instead of isolated training centres.

• Positive reinforcement instead of pressure or punishment.

• Clarity in communication - body language, timing, voice.

• Understanding the dog's needs - rest, exercise, social contact, structure.

We make sure that each learning goal is built up in small, achievable steps - with many experiences of success. And: with us, the human learns at least as much as the dog.

Education ≠ Education ≠ Training?

These terms are often confused. Therefore, here is our understanding:

• Education is the framework: Values, boundaries, orientation.

• Training is the system: structured development of skills.

• Training is the method: how I work specifically on a behaviour.

Everything belongs together - but it's worth knowing the differences.

Our conclusion

Good training does not make dogs perfect - but it does make them confident, self-assured and adaptable. And it also makes us humans clearer, calmer and more understanding.

In the end, it's not about what the dog "can" do. It's about how he feels - and how well he can go through life with us. Training is a relationship in motion. And that is precisely our goal at Vitomalia.