How do you know if you have a slow dog?

He brings you yesterday's paper.

Why train my dog?

Training your dog helps you to bond (become closer) with your dog. The more you train him, the more he will understand you. And the more you work and play with your dog, the more you will understand him. Always remember to make training a fun and interesting game for your dog.

But now, many dogs are left with nothing to do all day long. They can become bored and lonely. When that happens, they might chew, dig, or bark too much. Or they might sleep all day, which isn't healthy.

Training your dog gives him something to do and helps build his confidence.

Obedience training is also fun. Yes, fun! You get to take your dog out in public and meet other dogs and new friends. You both get some exercise and you can learn tricks that are fun to show to your friends. When friends come over, they will be happy to hang out with your dog.

Many people can train your dog. A professional dog trainer can come to your house or take your dog for a couple of weeks.

Your parents can train your dog. They can take your dog to a class at a park, a pet store, or a humane society every week and learn good methods of dog training. Or they can train your dog at home using books and websites.

Can you train your dog? Absolutely! There are many things you can teach your dog. You can learn to teach your dog manners, good behavior, and fun tricks.

Where should I train my dog?

The best place to train your dog is where he can pay attention to you without distractions. If he's watching other dogs, he won't be able to pay attention to you. If there are other people calling his name, he will have a hard time hearing you.

How often should I train my dog?

Your first goal is to keep your dog happy while he's learning. Teach him for shorts periods of time. For some, that's thirty minutes and others, only ten minutes. Stop the training while he is still interested. You can teach his lesson again, later in the day.

Your second goal is to work with your dog while you're feeling good. If you start to feel frustrated or tired, stop and play with your dog.

Why should I understand 'Pack Behavior'?

Like humans, dogs have families. For dogs, these families are called packs. In a pack there is always one leader and several followers. The leader is the dog who makes the rules and watches out for others in the pack. When a dog lives in your house, your family becomes his family, or 'pack'.

It is important that you let your dog know who the leader is. If he doesn't know, he will try to become the leader. It's an instinct (he's born with it) to try to be a leader. When this happens, a dog may be pushy and not follow the rules. By teaching the dog obedience and giving him things to do, he will realize that a human is the leader and he will follow, instead of lead.

It's time to start your obedience classes! The first word you need to learn is:

PATIENT

1. what commands to use
2. how to teach these commands to your dog
3. how to praise your dog

It is your opportunity to see an expert in action and ask any questions you might have. After learning how to teach your dog, then you can go home and practice, practice, practice!

Your Puppy, Your Dog, by Pat Storer, Storey Publishing; 1997
From the Back Cover
What a dog needs most is love -- and loving a dog means providing everything it needs to be happy and healthy. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of illustrations, this book tells you just how to care for and understand your dog.
Includes: How to select the puppy or dog that is best for you, What and how to feed your dog, How to train and exercise your dog, How to play with your dog or puppy, How to keep your dog in the best of health, Where and how to show your dog, ... Ages 9 and up

Kids Training Puppies in Five Minutes, by JoAnn Dahan, Cork Hill Press; (February 5, 2004)
From an Amazon.com reader: My name is Christi, I am 7 years old. I just got a new lab puppy from my Mom and Dad her name is Ginny. Before I could have Ginny I had to promised I would care for her and train her. This book is so great, it is very easy to read and the pictures of the lab puppies and kids are so cute. I taught Ginny to sit and lie down really fast. I think every kid with a puppy should have this book. Ages 5-8

Dog Training for Children with Ian Dunbar,
1997 VHS
This video is written and hosted by veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and author Dr. Ian Dunbar — the world's leading authority on dog behavior and training. Dr. Dunbar is the original creator and popularizer of off-leash puppy classes, which sparked the revolution for positive, reward-based, dog-friendly dog training. I have previewed this video and recommend it as an excellent training tool for kids. Jan Wall, author How to Love Your Dog

This video is a little older, but excellent, nonetheless. Ian Dunbar has a wonderful way with the children - clear, gentle, and kind. Easy to watch and understand, kids can be completely successful with this positive method of training. Adapted from the British television program, Dogs With Dunbar. Topics include: Taking on a new puppy. Housetraining. Early leash training. Teaching Sit and Down. Developing a rapport. Focusing attention. Improving off-leash control. Training a fast recall. Training as a family. Family competitions. Improving the Sit Stay. Teaching with toys. Playing training games.