The Importance Of Dog Training: Lessons From Izzy's Journey

Have you ever found yourself in a restaurant, observing chaotic children while their parents remain blissfully unaware of the disruption? This scenario often leaves me questioning what goes through their minds. Interestingly, my perspective shifted when I had my own dog, Izzy, who, despite being just 30 pounds, would jump on people with sheer excitement. My husband, David, finally intervened, declaring, “Enough—everyone here needs to be trained.” This moment marked the beginning of our understanding of the significance of training, not just for dogs but for us as well.

Initially, I knew little about dog training. As a self-proclaimed dog lover, I preferred to let Izzy have his way rather than impose rules. However, after he chewed through a pair of expensive shoes and my mother’s custom-made bra during her visit, I realized that changes were necessary. It became clear that for dogs to feel secure, their humans must take control.

Today, I can confidently say that training Izzy was one of the best decisions we made. He has grown into a beautiful 82-pound charcoal gray dog who, despite his size, genuinely enjoys meeting new people. Unfortunately, many don’t realize that a friendly dog can still be intimidating, much like King Kong approaching unsuspecting pedestrians. Because we often take Izzy out with us—whether to our offices or restaurants—having him trained ensures he behaves appropriately and feels comfortable in various environments.