Familiarize yourself with various training methods and determine which one will best suit you and your dog. Most modern experts agree that a method that relies heavily on positive reinforcement produces the best results without any negative psychological effects.

Clicker training, a form of positive reinforcement, is a popular method that utilizes a clicking noise to signal to the dog the precise moment a desired result has occurred. A reward quickly follows. The dog rapidly learns to associate the click with the correct behavior and reward.

Consistency and repetition are critical when training a dog, so before you begin, decide on a training schedule that you can stick to. Plan on training several times a day with each session lasting between 10 - 15 minutes. Even if a session does not go as well as you had hoped, be sure to end it on a positive note so your pup will associate training with a good experience.

An easy command to tackle first is sit. Remember to reward your dog right away when he gets it right. Once he has mastered that one, move on to commands such as down, stay, and come.

You will likely take hundreds, perhaps thousands, of walks with your dog over the years, so teaching your dog how to behave when on the leash is important. A harness can help with pulling issues and is much kinder than a choke collar.

Negative behaviors such as incessant barking should be dealt with immediately. Interrupt your dog and redirect his attention elsewhere. Be consistent when correcting bad behavior.If you hit roadblocks in your training, sign up for a couple of obedience classes. A professional might be able to point out any mistakes you are making and give you some tips to get back on track. Seeking some help does not mean that you have failed; rather it proves that you truly want the best for your dog.