Every now and then someone says to me, “What’s the point of that behaviour? My dog doesn’t need to learn that.”

And honestly, I get where the question comes from. If your dog isn’t destined for Crufts or agility competitions, why bother with sits, downs, spins or shaping new behaviours?

It’s a fair question — but the answer is much bigger than most people realise.

Training isn’t about showing off. It isn’t about producing a dog who can perform a list of tricks on command. It’s about building a dog who is confident, calm, resilient and able to navigate the world alongside you.

Let’s break down why these “unnecessary” behaviours are actually some of the most important things you can teach.

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Training Behaviours Builds Communication

When we teach our dogs anything at all — a tidy heel, a calm settle, a hand touch, a spin — we’re teaching them far more than a single action.

We’re building a shared language.

Clear communication reduces frustration, strengthens trust and helps a dog understand what you want in different situations. A dog who can listen and respond is a dog who feels secure with their human, not confused or conflicted.

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Tricks and Obedience Create Confident, Resilient Dogs

Many people think tricks are “just for fun”, but they’re actually powerful confidence-boosting tools.

Every time your dog learns something new, they experience:

• success
• praise
• reward
• predictability
• and the joy of problem-solving

All of this builds emotional resilience.

A dog who knows how to think and work through challenges is better equipped to handle new places, busy parks, traffic, visitors, and other real-life stressors.

Something as simple as “touch” or “middle” can give a nervous or overwhelmed dog a safe behaviour to fall back on. It’s an emotional safety net — not a performance.

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Training Strengthens the Bond Between You and Your Dog

Good training is teamwork, not control. When you’re teaching your dog something new, you’re:

• observing them closely
• rewarding their effort
• guiding them clearly
• celebrating the small wins
• actually enjoying each other

This strengthens your connection in a way few other activities can.

When your dog succeeds because of your help, they feel safe. When you see them try their hardest, you feel proud. That’s the heart of a great relationship.

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Real-Life Benefits Are Everywhere

People often think obedience skills only matter in the training hall. But look at the real-world situations these behaviours help with:

• Vet visits: A dog used to learning new behaviours will find handling, moving onto scales, or being still far less overwhelming.
• Groomers: Teaching “stand”, “chin rest” or “wait” makes the whole experience calmer and safer.
• Walks: A hand target or name response can redirect attention away from distractions.
• Guests at home: A solid “settle” turns chaos into calm.
• Busy environments: A dog who practises staying connected with you can handle noise, movement and unpredictability more easily.

Training isn’t about making a robot.
It’s about giving your dog the tools they need to cope and thrive.

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What About the Human Side?

Training doesn’t just shape your dog — it shapes you.

It helps you:

• read your dog better
• build better timing
• understand motivation
• respond fairly instead of emotionally
• become a more confident, consistent handler

It turns everyday life into a partnership instead of a battle of wills.

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So… What’s the Point?

The point isn’t to win medals.
Or impress anyone.
Or turn your dog into a performing machine.

The point is that learning builds confidence, trust and communication — all things your dog will rely on for their entire life.

A trained dog isn’t obedient because they’re afraid to get it wrong.
They’re confident because they know how to get it right.

And that, in my view, is worth everything. 💛🐶