Training a dog vs. training a horse are two different animals (no pun intended!) but the do in fact bear a lot of similarities to each other. The ultimate goal of training any domesticated animal is having the animal be compliant to our wishes and attentive to our commands. Whether you are setting out to train a dog or a horse, that concept should be your end game.

One important similarity dogs and horses share is that in the wild they tend to travel in fixed groups with one dominant leader (the "alpha") clearly in charge. In both dog and horse packs, the leader establishes his role via physical dominance. That can range from posturing and body language to harsher physical interactions, even attacks.

As horse and dog trainers, we want to establish that we are the alphas in relation to our animal companions. But that doesn't mean you should beat up your dog or horse! Dogs and horses both respond best to gentle, firm and consistent training that helps them realize we are in charge. We can do this by conditioning them to allow us to touch them, by not tolerating aggressive behavior towards us, and by teaching them to follow commands with a system of rewards and punishments.

One difference between dogs and horses is that while dogs are good at detecting our moods and attitudes, horses are excellent at it. Horses are much more likely to respond well to training when you approach them with confidence, focus and clarity. They can sense your emotional state, and they will often push boundaries if they feel like they can. Thus, it is critical to remain calm and focused when training your horse, and to show true leadership. If a horse senses your vigilance waning, it will become subtly more disobedient over time.

By saying that, I don't mean to denigrate dogs and say they're incapable of sensing how we feel. Dogs are very attuned to their masters' moods. But as long as you keep from becoming angry and abusive toward your dog, you should be able to train the dong without issue. Dogs absolutely adore their owners by nature, and it is this adoration that becomes the best training motivator. Historically we think of training dogs with treats, but the best dog trainers will tell you don't need to do that. In fact, it's best if you don't. The most effective way to train a dog is to remain cool and not overly affectionate with them, and then reward them with affection when they perform desirable tasks.

Like horses, dogs establish a hierarchy of dominance and you will have to establish yourself as the alpha. You can do this with firm authority, patience, confidence, and unwavering consistency. You want your dog to respect you, not fear you. Gentle yet firm physical reminders like a tap on the nose will work a lot better then screaming at or hitting your dog.

Another thing dogs and horses have in common is that they will take advantage of lapses in your firmness. You must always be vigilant and not let your dog or horse get away with undesirable behaviors.