5 essential dog training areas for every owner

Everyone understands that dog training is important but often struggle with what areas to cover. Here are 5 essential dog traing areas all owners should master with their dogs in order to have a happly and succesful rewlationship with their pets.

Large dogs like, for example, are often gentle by nature however, the Great Dane -- untrained -- can be a terror for the family. With its gentle side comes an exuberance and deep affection for its clan, which can lead to jumping or other aggressive behavior. With a dog this size, training is a must. Fortunately, the Dane's eagerness to please his family makes it easier than you think.

Many new dog owners assume that, the smaller the dog, the easier to train they are. This assumption is, of course, quickly proven wrong -- owning, and training, a
smaller breed, like the Jack Russell terrier, is not an easy experience and
requires discipline that some just aren't ready to give.

Terriers are dominant by nature. They have the need to be in control, leading their "pack" to daily challenges. This means that training must begin as soon as you bring you pup home. Do not wait, thinking it will be easier to train him when he is older. This is a mistake! Your Jack Russell will quickly develop his own patterns and, if you are not there to shape them, he will never learn to listen to what you want.

When you have your puppy, enroll him in a dog training and socialization class by the age of three months. A puppy is highly impressionable and, coupled with the breed's natural intelligence, this will make training simple. Waiting until your puppy has grown is not a wise choice: he already has established his patterns and is large enough to defy you if he wishes.

Training should, at minimum, cover the basic commands (heel, sit, stay, down and come). Also, your dog should be taught never to bite or jump, unless it's deemed appropriate by you. This is especially important if you have children, other pets or frequent visitors. While you may allow your pup to jump on you in play, you wouldn't want that to happen to a young child, smaller animal or a guest. Boundaries must be made.

Never strike your pet. Dogs are, by nature, sensitive creatures and don't respond well to abuse. Instead, you can make your disappointment or wishes known verbally. A strong tone is all it takes.

The 5 dog training essentials:

1. One: The word No. This is something you'll be using often with any new pup. You must be able to establish good patterns of behavior and, once your puppy learns what "No" means, that will be an easy thing to do.
   
   
2. Two: Housebreaking. Dogs love to be with you; that means that you'll have them in the house most, if not all, of the time. This requires proper housebreaking. To do this, you must confine your pet (when you're not around). This will keep him away from spots like your new carpet while you're still teaching him. Also, you must take your puppy for regular breaks outside and reward him when he uses the bathroom. And, if there is an accident in the house, do not strike your dog. Verbally display your disappointment (this does not mean to scream or yell at him, merely to explain). Your puppy will understand. Once the pattern of going outside is established, you will be able to let your dog roam more freely, instead of being confined.
   
   
3. Three: Expand on the class training. In basic puppy training, your dog will learn how to sit, stay, etc. You'll need to continue with this. If your dog does not respond to the commands, you respond accordingly. If he does obey you, reward. Eventually, the pattern will become clear to your dog and he will do as you command.
   
   
4. Four: Reward in different ways. Not all training requires treats. Since dogs can gain weight easily, you should try other methods. Using a toy, playing with your pet, etc. are better methods.
   
   
5. Five: Learn to discipline. Though dog wants to please you, there will be times when he doesn't do as you ask. These times require discipline. Many owners assume that striking their pet is the best, and easiest, way. THIS IS WRONG! Hitting him will not get you a response you want. Instead, it may cause your dog to sulk and become even more unresponsive. Tone, word usage is all takes.

With these tips in mind, dog training will be a simpler affair and both your and your pet will have many long years of fun together.