There are many types of training available to the dog owner.   One place to start is simple obedience training in group classes.   The advantage to this form is that you can learn from others in your class, make friends, and are more likely to practice each week’s lesson at home because you know you will be asked to demonstrate how well you have learned it. Classes might not work for everyone. If you are shy or extremely independent and well disciplined yourself, you can get dog training books from a bookstore or library. If your dog already makes some funny moves, you can refine them into tricks with a little help(rewards) and persistence.

            Simple obedience covers the basic commands: heal, sit, down, stay, come. Typically, in a group class,  you will work on a different command each week and then show off your results the following week.   If you have family dog, the whole family should go to the classes, even if you take turns working with the dog because you want to make sure that every one knows the correct command,   response and if necessary, correction. You will be amazed at how smart your dog is and will come to find out that most mistakes are handler’s errors.   It may seem as if your dog has just been waiting for the lines of communication to open up and for you to give him orders.

Really a walk. How exciting for me!

Imagine having a dog that knows what these commands mean.   Imagine feeling confident that your dog will respond when told to come.   Think what it could mean to have your dog obey you when he is off leash.   You could take him everywhere with you and show off his skills.   You just might have an Einstein on the end of your lead. No longer will your dog look at you with confusion or apathy when you give a command.   You won’t have to repeat yourself over and over again, either.

Once you and your partner have the basics down, the sky is the limit!   You can go on to many other kinds of training. Most dog training clubs offer a wide variety of classes including: tracking (scent work), Canine Good Citizen (demonstrates knowledge of basic obedience and good manners), obedience competition(perfecting of the basics and more), agility(timed over a set obstacle course with jumps, etc) and rally(basic obedience, changeable sequence, more verbal, less formal).   You may want to try out some of these avenues and see where your combined talents lay.   No matter what, you will find out a lot about yourself, your dog and your potential to grow together.