A well trained dog is like a well-behaved child. They are wonderful! The same applies the other way round ‘ an untrained dog is like a disobedient child. They can cause havoc! That’s why it is important for every dog owner to do some simple dog training.

Firstly, there’s absolutely no truth to the myth that certain dogs cannot be trained. While it may be more difficult to train some dogs, it can be done. And of course some dogs are easier to train. It all comes down to the ability of the trainer and his or her communication skills.

A dog that is trained will be happy, relaxed and secure. All dogs instinctively like to follow commands, and they will always turn to one person as their leader. This is how they behaved when they used to live and hunt in packs. One dog was always the leader, or the ‘alpha’. You will need to take on this role with your dog.

Teaching your dog his or her name is the first thing to do. This will enable you to get a response from the dog every time you call its name. This forms the basis to all other dog training lessons.

Next it will be the ‘come’ command. While dangling a treat in front of the dog’s nose, call out as follows: ‘Snoopy, come!’ Little Snoopy will quickly rush up to get his treat. Repeat the process several times, but each time move back a little further from the dog. Each time Snoopy obeys, shower him with affection and praise.

You can apply the same principle with the ’sit’ and ’stay’ commands. Keep your voice firm at all times so the dog learns the different tones to your voice. They quickly realize when your voice is playful or when it is serious. The praise factor is critical because essentially all a dog wants is to please its master.

Whilst treats offer great assistance during training, don’t be too free with them. You don’t want your dog to obey you because he knows there’s a treat in store. You want him to obey you because you are his leader. His reward is your affection and your praise. Only give treats during training. Treats given at other times will only confuse your dog.

Those who want to enter their dogs in contests shows will need to seek professional training. You can join a training club so that you and your dog can be taught how to behave at such events. Browse through some dog training websites for more information.

Learn more about dog obedience classes in NJ.