Try to make your training lessons interesting and appealing both for you and your dog. It is much better if you teach your dog for 10 minutes at a time, three times a day, than for 30 minutes once a day. The 10 minute session amuses both you and your dog and the attachment which develops between you during these lessons will be timeless. A good time to train your dog is for 10 minutes before you give him his breakfast; then he assumes that the meal is a reward for his being such a good dog. If you follow this schedule for all three meals your training program will be a great success.

Giving Commands:

When you give commands use the shortest phrase possible and use the same word with the same meaning at all times. If you want to teach your dog to sit, then always use the word SIT. If you want your dog to lie down, then always use the word DOWN. It doesn't matter what word you use as long as your dog becomes used to hearing it and acts upon it. Unless you are consistent in your use of commands you can never train your dog properly.

What to Teach Your Dog:

Your dog should certainly learn the essentials necessary to good behavior. First of all, your dog should be housebroken. Then he should learn how to walk properly with a collar and leash, after which he should be taught the simple commands of HEEL, SIT, COME, and STAY. Only after a dog has learned these commands is it safe to train him on a leash. Once your dog gets into the swing of his training it is wise to continue to train him in more difficult performances. After all, the hardest part of the job is establishing a communication system so that each of you learns what to expect of each other. Once your dog learns a trick or a command he will hardly ever forget it if you repeat it every so often. Begging, giving his paw, playing dead and rolling over, are entertaining tricks which you, your family and your dog can enjoy to mutual benefit. There are, however, more important lessons first.

How to Housebreak Your Puppy:

Every house dog should be housebroken. Teaching your dog to relieve himself outdoors or on paper indoors is the most vital part of his early training. You must begin housebreaking while he is still a puppy. Keep in mind the fact that a puppy must be fed more often than an adult dog, and consequently must relieve himself more frequently. Here are some rules in housebreaking.

Housebreaking Your Puppy Outdoors:

1. Take your dog outside as frequently as possible. If you don't have the time to spend with him outdoors, then tie your dog outside until he has performed his duties.

2. Start out as soon after meals as possible because puppies will usually relieve themselves right after they eat.

3. Keep him outdoors until he does his duty. Once he gets used to the idea that he will be allowed indoors again as soon as his duty is completed, he will take care of the job much sooner.

Housebreaking Your Puppy Indoors:

1. Start teaching your puppy about paper, when he is very young and can hardly walk by himself.

2. Take your puppy to the paper every time you catch him in the act. It often helps to blot some of his liquid errors on the paper and leave that soiled paper on top of clean paper so he will get to know that this is the place for him to do his duty. It usually takes about a week.