Dog Training 101

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To qualify as a well-bred pampered doggy, dog training and housebreaking are absolute necessities. And, if you start your dog's training early, firmly but gently, your dog will soon reap the rewards.

I know, I know, new puppies are so cute and sooo... much fun to spoil, that it's easy to put off the dog training for another day!

Lovable as they are, I guarantee they won't stay that way without being taught good dog manners - this is dog spoiling at its best. Dogs are eager to please and a well-trained pet will get lots more positive strokes and be a happier dog.

So give him a leg up with some basic dog training and he'll have no trouble being accepted anywhere you go.

How To Train A Dog - Getting Started

Most of us don't want to devote endless hours to dog training, but are just looking to end up with a reasonably well-mannered pooch who has adapted to living harmoniously in our home and neighborhood. One who doesn't bolt out an open door at every opportunity, bite the mailman, bark for no good reason, or chew up our best shoes. In other words.... a somewhat disciplined doggy.

Even if you've never trained a dog before, don't dismay. I dug around and uncovered several dog training methods for both puppies and older dogs, that are easy to follow and will get the job done.

Here's one that's very popular and effective - Dove Cresswells Online Dog Training. Dove trains dogs for the movies and television so you know she has to be good. It will be worth your while to take a look at her fun program and a sample lesson.

The key to success, as with most things, is being fairly consistent in following whichever plan you select.

That being said, we all have different ways of approaching something new to us, so I think it's a good idea to check out the different training styles to find one that appeals to you and will easily fit your life style. No doubt, you'll be more successful if you choose a plan that you can stick with.

When you're evaluating training programs, consider which method will work the best with the time your have available. I personally think that if you choose a program that's easy and doesn't take up too much time each day, you'll be more likely to stick with the routine. And your dog will no doubt look forward to this special one-on-one time with you. After all, training your pet is really a matter of repetition.. repetition..repetition - Oops, sorry!

Dog Training - Priorities...

What is your top priority? If you have a new puppy, then most probably potty training will be the first goal. No one wants to spend a lot of time cleaning the carpets, so getting started right away seems to make sense.

Most puppies are ready to start learning from the first day you bring them home, even if that entails getting up during the night to take them outside, or using a papered area for a short while. The early months are usually the best time to introduce house training. Families who delay training are often sorry they did as - perish the thought - they may eventually contemplate giving up their furry friend because he hasn't magically learned the house rules all by himself!

The good news is... you don't have to go there. There are many training guides that are simple to follow with quick results. The benefit is you'll most likely wind up with a polite pooch in just a short amount of time.


When you're reasonably sure the carpets are safe...you can start teaching your pup other good habits. In fact you could begin teaching them right along with the house training routines. Most probably, getting your dog used to walking without tugging, sit and stay, coming when called, not jumping on guests or furniture (no doubt he'll have his own pampered couch), sitting and staying, etc., will be early priorities.

Whether you have a purebred pug or a marvelous mutt, they've gotta have manners to qualify as a pampered pet. We've looked at the various guides, including online video training and ebooks to help start you in the right direction. You'll find the best of these on separate pages of the website - the links are below.

All it takes is a little T L C which I know you'll agree, every treasured dog deserves.

House training getting you down? Get these great tips for potty training your dog

If nuisance barking is a problem, find a solution here.

Additional dog training resources - downloadable dog training ebooks

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