Episode 292: A trained dog versus a dog in training

In an engaging segment of our podcast, Pat and Glenn delved into a thought-provoking topic prompted by a simple yet profound question from Pat’s son, Rip. Rip had observed Remi, their family dog, being prepared for a dog trial and pondered, “If Remi is already trained, why does he still need training?” This query sparked an insightful discussion about the ongoing nature of canine training, highlighting the distinction between a dog “in training” and a “trained dog.”

Pat began by clarifying that a dog’s training is never truly complete; it’s an evolving process. He emphasised that a “trained dog” isn’t a static state but a continuous commitment to learning and adaptation. “Just as humans never stop learning, a trained dog, too, is always building on existing skills and acquiring new ones,” Pat explained. Thus, the concept of a trained dog involves regular practice and reinforcement to maintain and enhance their abilities.

Glenn further elaborated on using references to movies, guitars and random other gibberish to basic acknowledge the direction the conversation was already heading in.

The both highlighted the importance of understanding each dog’s unique personality and learning curve in the training process. They agreed that training a dog is as much about building a deep, communicative bond as it is about obedience and skills.

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