Dog training the basic commands

There are lots of good reasons for owners to wish for a quiet, well-trained and faithful dog. For one thing, well-trained and obedient dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is particularly true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems dog breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers for example.

In addition, of course, training your dog well will also make him or her much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bits and other behavior problems faced by dog owning households.

In considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained. These basic commands include:

1. Heel - It is essential that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind
2. No - the word no is one word that all dogs must be taught. Training your dog to respond to this crucial word can save you a ton of trouble.
3. Sit - Training your dog to sit on command is a very important part of any dog training program.
4. Stay - A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so stay is a very key command in dog training.
5. Down - Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it is a key element of any successful dog training program.

Dog training does much more than just creates an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly really strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.

Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very vital concept for any potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so leads to all manner of behavior problems.

A correctly trained dog will react properly to all the owners commands, and will not display anxiety, displeasure or confusion. A fine dog training program will center on allowing the dog to learn just what is expected of it, and will use positive reinforcement to reward preferred behaviors.

In addition to making the dog a good member of the community, obedience training is a great way to complete some of the dogs own needs, including the need for exercise, the security that comes with knowing what is expected of it, a feeling of achievement and a good working relationship with its handler. Dog training gives the dog an vital job to do, and an essential goal to reach.

Giving the dog a job is more important than you may think. Dogs were in the beginning bred by humans to do important work, such as herding sheep, guarding property and protecting people. Many dogs today have no significant job to do, and this can often lead to monotony and neurotic behavior.

Basic obedience training, and ongoing training sessions, provides the dog with an important job to do. This is in particular important for high energy breeds like German shepherds and border collies. Training sessions are a big way for these high energy dogs to use up their extra energy and just to enjoy themselves.

Incorporating playtime into your dog training sessions is a great way to prevent both yourself and your dog from becoming bored. Playing with your dog helps to strengthen the all important bond between you the pack leader and your dog.