Taking control of your dog's training is an ongoing process. Many dog owners believe that once the dog has performed an exercise on command, the dog has learned the task and that is the end of it. This is not so; if you don't practice the exercises continuously the dog will either forget, or decide that it is only necessary to respond to commands when he has a mind to. If you command your dog to do something, it should be done immediately so if he does not perform you need to correct this behavior at the time. Don't leave it until later because this laid back attitude toward training will result in a lazy dog.

You don't have to chastise the dog, just ensure that he carries out your commands when you give them. Dogs are much more responsive to friendly persuasion than forceful punishment. Just saying "No" in a firm tone should resolve any stubbornness. Shouting or screaming at your dog will frighten him, to the extent that he may be so scared that he cannot respond to your commands. Your training should be based on patience, love and friendship. Statistically the latter method of training produces well adjusted and obedient dogs.

If you have neglected your training duties, and this has resulted in your dog being disobedient, you will need to take your dog back to basics. Go through the "Sit", "Stay, "Down" and "Come" commands with your dog and make certain that he understands all of the commands, together with what his response should be to them. Usually if your dog gets it right twice, you can move on to the next command until you have completed them all. Your dog may become bored if you issue the same command over and over again so you might want to change the sequence and randomly select different commands. You should also consider taking your dog to new places for his training sessions. Both you and he might welcome a change of environment from time to time.

When you have gone through the basic training add another command such as "roll over" and continue in this manner until you have taught your dog everything that you would like him to know. Remember to praise your dog or give him treats, throughout all of the sessions, when he does well.

Daily training, if time allows, is good for all dogs from puppies to very mature pets. It alleviates boredom, enhances obedience and keeps them in good physical shape. Just setting aside 10 to 15 minutes a day to spend time training and bonding with your dog, will maintain his obedience level and allow you to spend some stress free, quality time with your pet. You could combine your own exercise schedule with the training sessions so that both you and your dog become healthy and fit together.

If you simply do not have the time for regular training sessions with your dog you could allocate this task to a member of your family, someone in your neighborhood who would like to earn a few extra bucks or a professional trainer. However, it is advisable that one person handles the basic training of a dog from start to finish.

No matter how you decide to arrange your dog's training requirements, if you want to be the master never allow the dog to become the master of you.