Dog training isn’t necessarily difficult, but it can be challenging and it can be stressful. But regardless what training method you favor, it is possible, if you follow a few basic guidelines,

1) Stay Calm

First and foremost, don’t loose your temper, don’t get frustrated – stay relaxed and in control. Remember you and your dog are really two beings from two different countries, who are trying to learn a common language, with only pointing and grunting to build your vocabulary.

It will take time, and depending your skill and your dog’s willingness, it may take a great deal of time. Be patient and don’t get angry if things don’t go well at first, just examine your strategy, take a deep calming breath and try again.

2) Be Consistent

Consistency is one of the major problems in training – especially in the words you use and your response to your dogs actions. Develop a specific list of words you want your dog to understand, and stick to them – this means everyone in the dog’s family should use the same words.

And if you expect a certain behavior at a certain time or as a result of a certain command, make sure you get it. This is often easier said than done when “real life” interrupts, but it’s important that your dog knows that you mean business.

However, consistency does not mean to keep plugging away using the same strategy/tactics even when it’s obvious they aren’t working. Different dogs learn things differently – if one method doesn’t work, you may need to try something else.

3) Eliminate Distractions

In the later stages, adding distractions is an important step in training, but until the dog, and you, have a very good idea what is expected and how to get it, keep the distractions to a minimum. This not only means working in a quiet spot with plenty of room to maneuver, you should also make sure that your dog has done his business, isn’t overly hungry or thirsty, and isn’t being lured away by interesting smells.

Another distraction that many people overlook is the issue of hormones. We recently had a very lovely, very willing Shepherd/Husky cross who’s training was coming along nicely – until she went into heat. Not only did she regress, the other dogs around her (fixed and intact) started regressing too.

4) Use the Right Tools

Trying to train a dog to walk at heel with a retractable leash is an almost impossible task. Trying to control a willful 100 puppy with a buckle collar can be just as difficult.

If you are serious about