Unfortunately too many people think that teaching a puppy or adult dog these things is simply a matter of saying what you want the dog to do a few times then expecting them to know what you mean. These owners soon become disappointed in their pets when the animal fails to do as it’s told and they may soon find themselves falling into some of the worst habits possible if they want their dogs to be trained correctly.

The key to any training, from potty training your puppy to teaching your dog to stay, is consistency and persistence.

Consistency: Always use the same command no matter what it is you are teaching your dog. Don’t tell your dog to ‘drop’ one time then say ‘down’ the next. This only confuses your pet, by using the same command each time they will soon learn what you mean. This goes for all members of the family, teach them what commands you are using and make sure they use them.

Persistence: Your dog will need to be given some time to learn, don’t expect them to be told to do something a couple of times and have them remember it. It’s always a good idea to set aside say fifteen minutes each day to train your dog (any longer than that and your dog may become bored.) And remember that it will take time and patience (along with lots of praise.)

While those above are good points to remember when training your dog by the same token those listed below are things you should never do when training your dog as they not only delay any progress they may also have the opposite effect.

If your dog does not come when first called, never smack or otherwise punish it when it finally does come as this is what he will remember.

Do not chase your dog when you want it to come with you. It will think you are playing. And don’t chase your pup when he has run off with your favourite sock, again this will only reinforce the idea that it is play time. If possible ignore him and he’ll either drop it because something else has caught his attention, or calmly call him to you until you can use the ‘drop’ etc. command.

Never punish your dog with a lead or other item you may use for training, this will only teach it that the lead etc. is not a good thing.

Don’t allow your dog to get away with something one day and then punish him for it the next (be consistent.) Even as a puppy, don’t let them think it’s fun to chew your old shoe yet tell him off when he starts on your brand new one.

Never hold food out to your dog then snatch it away.

These are just a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to training your dog. Following these guidelines should help both you and your dog have fun when it comes to training as well as giving you the chance to have a well behaved pet.