Here are some practical dog training tips for training your dog. Use the above links for more information on health and training tips. This will be just a starter - to learn more about training your dog, look for books on the subject or consider joining a dog training or obedience club. Talking to other trainers or dog owners can also provide a rich source of information.

Let's start from the day you bring your puppy or dog home (we will use a puppy as an example).
Actually, let's start before that day. Hopefully, you have thought about becoming a dog owner and have picked a breed that is suitable for your lifestyle. So many people don't take into consideration the physical demands of different breeds. Some dogs need lots of daily exercise and need to be outside frequently to be happy. On the other hand, you can find a breed of dog that is "low maintenance". They are happy being a house dog and mainly going out to relieve themselves or for walks with their master. In other words, there is a wide spectrum of choice that can help you find a dog that will meet your needs. Talk to breeders, find out if there is a breed club for the type of dog you are interested in your area, pick up books from the library on the subject, and another great source of information is a veterinarian. It's a good idea to have a vet in mind or already have a relationship established before you get your pup.

Some General Dog Training Tips
The big day has arrived and you have brought your new charge home. The house will be full of excitement as family and friends want to see the new "baby". Try to limit the number of people the pup is exposed to at first. This is for several reasons. First, your pup's health. Some people might accidentally infect your pup with disease from their own dogs. Not to say they are lousy owners, just that there is a chance of either an ecto- or endo-parasite or bacterial disease being given to your puppy. Secondly, your puppy has just been taken from his or her mother. They are scared and need time to quietly bond with their new "parents". Let them explore while keeping a close eye to make sure they don't get in trouble or get hurt. Most likely, your pup will need to be potty trained as well, so keep a close eye for behavior that indicates they may need to relieve themselves. Remember, that until a few short weeks ago, your pup's mother did the hygienic chores for the pup. Now the pup is learning how to do things on their own and you are now the one doing the teaching. Try to keep the pup on the same food that the breeder used. Sometimes the breeder will send you home with some food to tide you over until you can get the necessary food. Changing a dog's food should never be done abruptly, especially puppies. They will most likely have digestive upset and you know what that can mean. That should be enough reason to change feeds slowly if you are so inclined. The first night is one of the pup's worst. They are in a new and strange environment. They are probably nervous and feeling very insecure. You can help by making sure that the pup's sleeping area has a nice place to lie down in an out of the way place in your home. The pup will miss its mother and one way to help with this is to put a wind-up alarm clock near the pup. The ticking sound will help lull the pup to sleep. You can also try leaving a radio on quietly to give some background noise. Each passing night will be better. Some dogs do better than others and you will have to be the judge of what will be best suited to adapt your pup.