Training your dog requires quite a bit of effort on your part. Your pup is totally dependent on you to teach him to fit into your world snugly. The kind of guidance and leadership you provide will determine the type of dog he will grow up to be. Therefore, you play an important role in molding the character, behavior and temperament of your dog. That is why it is important to train your dog well.

The training of your pup begins the moment he enters your home. Crate training is generally the first step. Choose a crate that is just big enough for the adult dog to lie down. The crate is the equivalent of your dog’s den or cave; it is Fido’s personal space. The crate helps you limit your new pup’s access to different parts of the house until he learns all your house rules. It keeps him away from destructive activities like chewing, destructive playing and accidental soiling. A crate also helps you transport your dog safely to a vehicle or to places where he can play. A dog that is trained properly will come to think of his crate as a safe haven where he can rest, drink and feed without fear.

A play pen that attaches itself to the crate is a great way to encourage your pup to play in an environment that is safe and secure. This will help you give your pup the desired exercise without worrying about him misbehaving, getting hurt by oncoming traffic or hurting someone else accidentally.

As your dog grows, you will have to train him to behave in and out of doors. He will have to learn to sit, stay and fetch on command. You will need to use several techniques to get him to listen to you. Using the appropriate toys and treats, you need to reward good behavior. But you should never punish bad behavior. The trick is to encourage your dog to do the things he wants, with a lot of encouragement, love and rewards. Trust and mutual respect rather than the old school methods of harsh corrections and punishment should be the key. Training sessions should ideally be short, consistent and filled with fun.

The time required for crate training your dog depends on the dog’s age and temperament. Young pups generally get trained faster, while older dogs may take a longer time, particularly if they have experienced painful incidents in the past.