If you own a dog then you will want to start training him right away. Training a dog creates a closer bond between you and your dog and also helps them learn socialization skills, which is critical if you live in an area where your dog is in constant contact with other people and dogs.
When choosing a dog it would be wise to do some research into different breeds and their tendencies so that you can pick a breed that suits you and your lifestyle. For instance, if you do not have much patience you will not want a hard to train breed such as a Beagle. An easily trained breed such as a Collie would be better. If you live in tight quarters, choose a small poodle since they are also easy to train. Different breeds need different training methods since some are easier to train than others. Some dogs are hard to train no matter what the breed, and they will need extra patience and different training methods.
A dog is not truly happy unless it is trained and has rules and boundaries to follow. A dog is a pack animal and wants to have a pack leader that sets rules. If you do not fill the position then the dog will, and this will ultimately lead to a whole series of problems. The dog training method you choose to use will depend on you, your lifestyle and the type of dog you have and what problems the dog has.
Most dogs respond well to positive re-enforcement training but there are dogs that will only respond to more forceful methods of training. This is not to say that you have to mistreat the dog you will just have to be firmer when disciplining and teaching your dog. If you are new to dog training or your dog is tough to teach you may want to seek professional assistance. Your veterinarian is a good source of information for local dog trainers.
Training your dog yourself is the best way, if possible, since the rewards will be great if you successfully train your pet.. There are many sources of information on dog training methods available from many places. The library is full of information on dog training, and the internet is also a rich source of information.
It's important to realize that most training problems stem directly from the owner not the dog. A lack of good communication is the root of most training mistakes. For instance, if you use the word “come” one day and then change it to “here” the next the dog ends up being confused and not knowing what to do when you talk.
Regardless of the breed and temperament of your dog, nearly any dog can be trained. Training your dog will require patience and consistency, but the rewards are worth all of the hard work.
