So, you have bought the dog, the collar the leash and the kids are excited. At that moment the dog poops on the new carpet. You are horrified and realize that this dog is going to poop everywhere, chew the rugs and all your expensive footwear. So you decide to train the dog yourself. But you do not know where to start, and who to ask for help. This article is for you and a lot of other reader’s whose dogs need training.

Obedience training is very important and helps prevent a lot of behavioral problems. It is very important to tech your dog that he has to listen to you. The task can be as simple as a handshake or to sit down when asked too. It is very important to use positive reinforcements like love, positive words, few food treats and some toys. It is best to stay away from punishments such as hitting the dog as this can have a negative impact on the dog.

Another thing to remember is that consistency is very important. If you tell the dog not to sit on the couch at the first time, then you must tell him the same thing always. Even if you have had a hard day and you are tired, you must still be consistent and stick to what you have said the first time.

Patience is another important factor. Dog training is definitely not easy, but it is not impossible to train a dog either.

The tone of your voice is very important while training your dog. The tone should be firm and the attitude should be assertive. It is not needed to raise your voice, but speak in a way that the dog understands that you mean business.

The first command your dog should learn is to sit. This is one of the simplest commands to teach. You should gently push the dog’s backside towards the ground and use the word sit. And if he does sit, use positive reinforcement to reward him. He will soon associate rewards with obedience.

Another important command is NO. The dog should understand that he has done something wrong and he should not repeat it again. Use a firm voice and tell the dog that he has done something wrong. If he still does not listen, make a loud noise to distract him, and walk away from the room. Come back when he has stopped the undesirable behavior and reward him with words like “good boy/girl” etc.

It is very important to litter train the dog soon after you get him/her. A good way to train puppies is to let them poop and pee over an old newspaper. In the beginning cover a large area with newspapers and lift the puppy and put him over the newspaper. As the puppy learns that he should poop and pee over the newspaper he will start reliving himself on the newspaper. Slowly reduce the number of newspapers and then move the paper in the direction you want the puppy to relieve himself. It can be the yard or the bathroom or any other place you have decided.

Always remember to take your dog outdoors only after he has been vaccinated and the veterinary doctor has given the green signal. Dogs that have not been vaccinated are susceptible to a host of diseases and should be taken to the veterinary doctor for a periodical check up.

Always remember to check that your dog is leashed when you are taking him out for a stroll. It is easier to catch a collared and leashed dog, if he manages to slip away.

Training a dog is not rocket science; all it requires is some effort from your side and some time and patience.