Once you get your new family member home, pay close attention to its personality.
Is he quiet or rambunctious, reserved or aggressive? These factors will indicate how effective training will be, and is the precursor to the basics of dog training.
Use your pups name constantly, and pay attention to the tone of your voice, for it is this tone that they listen for, and will associate it with your moods.
At feeding time, call his name and say "come".
This is the first command a dog should learn, and it should be associated with a pleasant activity.
All beginner dog training courses insist that this command be learned above all others.
It will ensure that your dog will obey in other situations that may arise, such as breaking a collar unexpectedly while out for a walk when traffic is present.
Always praise your pup when it follows your commands.
This reinforces positive behavior and he will continue to look for your approval.
A treat doesn't hurt either, as most dogs are food motivated.
House breaking can be difficult, especially when there are areas in the home a previous pet has used for a toilet.
The odor may not be evident to you, but your pup will smell it and think it is the place to go.
Dogs are pretty clean by nature and most will instinctively know that their home is not to be used as a toilet, but a puppy must be taught this basic rule.
Be consistent and patient.
If you catch him defecating in this area, say "shame" in a scolding tone and bring him outside as quickly as possible.
He will feel bad when hearing this tone, and soon learn to avoid this area.
Give high praises when they defecate outside.
In using basic puppy training, never scold when you have not caught them in the act of undesirable activities, as this only confuses them.
Use the word "shame" when discovering the evidence, but do not look at the dog.
He will soon associate the word "shame" with your disapproving tone.
If you never catch them in the act, they may never realize what they have done is undesirable.
If your pup refuses to come when commanded, avoid chasing him, as he will think it is merely a game and run away each time.
Instead, call his name and run the other way when he looks at you.
He will chase you down and soon learn this command is for him to come to you.
The basics of dog training can be a fun experience for the whole family.
If everyone works together, uses consistency, lots of praise and love, you will soon have a loyal, obedient member of the family.