Training a dog is one of the most important factors of ownership. A well-trained dog is likely to be much safer, due to the lower risk of running away from you. Additionally, pet behavior specialists acknowledge that obedient dogs are much happier, as they are not stressed by the pressure of being the dominant member of their packs. The domesticated dog has been modified, through selective breeding, to emphasize its submission. Therefore, your family pet is happier when you see him as the alpha animal.

1. The first step in training your dog is to start as soon as possible. Of course, a puppy is much easier to train. If he has adopted an adult dog, he may need more patience, but an adult can still be successfully trained. Whether you’ve just welcomed a puppy or an adult dog into your home, their training should begin as soon as possible. For example, if you don’t want your dog to sit on the couch, don’t let him do it from the start. Many owners make a big deal out of new dogs and allow behavior that they later find unacceptable.

2. Similarly, consistency is key. It is always a good idea to establish a routine for your dog. In other words, he or she eats and walks around the same time every day. Dogs tend to respond well to structure, and deviations from structure can stress them out.

3. Depending on your dog’s age and temperament, you may find it beneficial to start with small obedience training sessions. It’s important not to bombard your dog with too much information at once. Just start with the basics, like sit and stay.

4. Try to avoid yelling at your dog. Most dogs don’t respond well to harsh criticism. Of course, if the dog is doing something unacceptable, he should be told “No” firmly. However, less destructive and non-concerning behavior should simply be ignored. The natural instinct of a domesticated dog is to please its owner. Therefore, praise for positive behavior and no reaction for negative behavior should be enough for your dog to understand what is required of him.

5. The most important thing when training a dog is that he recognizes you as the leader of the pack. As pack animals, wolves (ancestors of domestic dogs) function as an efficient hierarchical pack. Simply put, every pack should have a leader, and in this case, it should be you. Some trainers and owners believe that the ‘alpha roller’, which mimics the behavior of dogs and wolves in the wild, is an effective way to assert authority. However, some simple measures can have an equally successful response. For example, when your dog is young, it is advisable to remove the bowl while he eats. Alternatively, you can choose to take away a favorite toy from your dog. This should only be done very briefly as most dogs will not react aggressively and the food or toy can be replaced with lots of praise. If your dog barks or growls at you, ignore the negative response and remove the food or toys more often until he understands that you are the boss.

Try to remain calm and patient during your dog’s obedience training. Remember, training a dog is an opportunity for you to bond with your pet. If you perceive it as an opportunity to play and have fun, then your dog will be infinitely more receptive to it. If you are experiencing difficulties with your dog’s obedience training, there are many schools that can provide advice and support. Your local vet should be able to put you in touch with a reputable obedience trainer in your area.