It's always exciting when you get a new dog. This is a true companion who will be by your side for many years to come. However, it isn't always easy getting your new dog to the stage of faithful companion you envision. Not only will you need to feed your pep and groom him faithfully. You'll also need to train him to be disciplined in all things.
If you begin at your earliest opportunity to introduce your dog to the concept of discipline, you will spare him and yourself many problems further down the line. House training comes first. Long before you get into heavy-duty training, make sure your new pet isn't making messes all over your home.
Housebreaking your bet is a Major Accomplishment that you will best accomplish by using the right training methods. But once you've succeeded at house training, don't stop there, as too many other dog owners do. You need to press on to additional obedience training; this will bring even additional bonding between you and your dog, and it will swiftly demonstrate that you -- not he -- are the Alpha Dog in charge of affairs at your house.
There is a wide variety of choices when it comes to choosing an obedience training method. Which of these choices are right for you will be somewhat dependent on what you expect to see as the final result. If you will be contented with a dog who is housebroken, leash-trained, and obedient -- one who responds properly to simple commands -- you can stop at that point.
You'll need to continue with the training, though, if you want to have a well-rounded, obedient dog. A wide range of unwanted behaviors can be modified or eliminated through the appropriate use of dog-training techniques:
Although you might have been of the opinion that these unwanted behaviors were just things you'd have to live with, in fact there is a way to eliminate them. If you're seeking a stress-free life with your dog, then you'll be sure to include these techniques in your dog-training regimen. The necessary hard work will produce results that are more than worth the effort.
The earlier you begin serious training of your puppy, the most you'll get out of your training efforts. You need not wait until your puppy is six months old to begin training him -- you can begin training on the basics right away. It's largely a matter of using the right techniques for a dog of that age.
You owe it to yourself and to your dog to find and use the best possible dog training materials. Books, ebooks, and websites abound that are dedicated to teaching you how best to train your dog. If you are especially serious about training your dog -- or if you don't have time to train him yourself -- you should hire a dog training professional. Your vet can probably recommend one or more trainers who will help you ensure your dog is properly trained.
As you are seeking a professional trainer for your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind. For one, you do not need to seek out a trainer who specializes in your breed of dog. All breeds are trainable breeds; some will react more swiftly than others, but any professional trainer should be able to train any breed of dog.
Second, many trainers offer group classes as an alternative to -- or a supplement to -- in-home lessons. You may also want to consider trainers who offer a board-and-train program. Do your research as to which training program is best for you -- don't just clutch at the first program you hear of.
Should you choose to train on your own, you'll need to be sure you've got the most effective training materials. Don't think you can train your dog without first being trained in how to train. If you're not going to use a professional trainer, then you need to become a professional trainer for the sake of your dog and your own happiness.
Investigate the traits of your breed so you'll be familiar with your dog's likely temperament and the methods most likely to work with that breed. Get high-quality materials recommended to you by your vet or by others who are familiar with dog training regimens. It's possible -- and often fun -- to train your dog by yourself. But don't jump into dog training without getting whatever help you can.
Having a dog is both a wonderful opportunity and a serious responsibility. You can feel daunted by the responsibilities involved in caring for and training a dog, but you will be helped if you approach the tasks with a positive attitude.
While you are training your dog, you'll find yourself growing every closer to him. You'll be cementing your relationship and will be enjoying each other's company. And your dog will rejoice as he discovers that he can please you through his obedience. Teach your dog that you're in charge, but love him even when he makes mistakes -- you and he will face life together as a happy team.
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