What is Holistic Dog Training?

They are our faithful companions, and each has their own unique set of needs.

And as responsible dog guardians, it is crucial that we take their mental wellbeing just as seriously as the physical.

To honour Metal Health and Wellbeing Week, we are taking a look at holistic dog training and at how we, at Bruce’s, value the holistic approach to dog training and behaviour.

Holistic approaches to dog training involve treating the dog as a whole, encompassing all aspects of their physical, emotional, and behavioural well-being.

The goal of this approach is to create a positive, stress free relationship between you and your dog, based on trust, mutual respect, and effective communication.

In a holistic approach, dog training is not just about obedience or responses to cues, but about understanding your dog’s individual needs, preferences, and personality.

Now we understand what holistic dog training is, we’ll talk about some of the key elements of holistic dog training…

This is an essential aspect of any holistic dog training approach. Positive reinforcement means rewarding your dog for good behaviour, rather than punishing them for unwanted behaviours.

A big part of this is figuring out what motivates your dog, so that you can reward them in a way that works for them. Rewards can be in the form of treats, praise, playtime, or anything else that your dog enjoys. This encourages your dog to repeat the desired behaviour and helps to build a strong bond between you and your dog.

A holistic approach to dog training also involves taking care of your dog’s physical needs.

This includes providing them with regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and adequate rest.

Exercise helps to keep your dog physically and mentally healthy, while a healthy diet ensures that your dog has the energy and nutrients they need to thrive; not least can positively impact on your dogs overall behaviour.

Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as they need physical exercise.

A holistic approach to dog training involves providing your dog with a variety of mental challenges, such as puzzle and snuffle toys, interactive games, and trick training. This not only keeps your dog entertained, but it also helps to strengthen their cognitive skills and reduce stress..

Communication is key to any successful relationship, and the same is true for the relationship between you and your dog.

Effective communication involves learning to read your dog’s body language and vocal cues, as well as teaching your dog to understand your own signals and cues. This will help build trust, grow your bond together and help you to understand each other on a deeper level.

At Bruce’s, our Expert Dog Coaches are committed to a holistic approach to dog training, and take into account all factors when working with your dog.

Whether this is your first dog or not, taking the time to train them will benefit you both. We offer everything from puppy training courses and dog training workshops to individual 121 expert advice and an online support club.

Get in touch with our dog training team today to start your journey towards building a strong and fulfilling bond with your dog.

Providing a wealth of experience, Bruce’s continues to strive to learn about dogs and what makes them happy on a daily basis.

Whether this is through our dog training tips or caring for new pups in our doggy day care facilities. We go above and beyond. Starting young is often best, which is why we have Puppy Preschool too. Our home collection and drop off service* allows your dog to travel in style to and from doggy day care. What’s more, we have our own dog grooming facilities* which you can book into, to make your dog feel their best.

To find out more or to book your space see your nearest centre for details.

*Subject to availability, see your local centre for details.