Who doesn't love an English Bulldog puppy? The little ball of rolls that innocently sits next to you, looking up at you as if you are a VIP can make anyone melt. In times like these, your little friend seems like a stuffed animal come to life.

…. And then what's that smell? Where are my shoes? What is Gigi eating? And the dream is temporarily shattered at the reality that this is a breathing creature that was neither born perfect nor did she come with an instruction manual. This is typically when you have to make a decision. Will I just let my new little friend get away with everything, or attempt to train her?

Given that we've established that your puppy is not perfect, training is necessary. Even the best, most behaved puppy will need some training to grow into a family pet who you aren't embarrassed to take out in public with you. A quick Internet search will produce a plethora of information on the subject, making it incredibly easy to be overwhelmed and give in to the cycle of yelling at your dog who has now developed a taste for your shoes.

For the purposes of this and subsequent articles in this training series, we'll be referring to young puppies, not grown dogs. Typically, a puppy is ready to be weaned from his or her mother at eight weeks. Some animals need more time than that, but it is rarely wise to separate a puppy from his or her mother earlier than that. Dog trainers and behaviorists tend to be split on recommending what age to start training puppies. One source may say to start at sixteen weeks, giving your new pet time to adjust to his or her new home, hindered by few rules. Another may advocate that training should start right away. If you have ever brought home a new puppy, without even realizing it, you have probably gone with the latter view. Housebreaking, instructions on which rooms are dog-friendly and which aren't, feeding her at a specific time, making your dog sit before eating, this is all part of training.

Personally, I am an advocate for starting a training program early, rather than waiting untill your dog is four months or even six months old. In that time that a puppy is adjusting to his or her new home, he or she is forming habits. By training early, you can avoid extra grief brought on by your puppy having to 'unlearn' behavior learned in her first few weeks in a new home. This way she is told from day one what you feel is acceptable behavior.

Small dogs, large dogs, slow or high energy dogs will respond differently to training, and in some cases need unique training. In subsequent articles we'll break down specifics for small and large breeds, but by and large, training is both necessary and you will eventually learn what's best for your dog. It's important to note that while some dogs respond quickly and remember well, others are what you might refer to as, "hard headed". Indeed there are those dogs who feel as if you've beaten her when you reprimand her, while her sister might look at you as if to almost say, "is that the best you can give me?"

Follow Through
Do not give your dog a command if you do not intend on following through with it. It only leads to confusion for your puppy, and it teaches her that she doesn't always have to do what you say. 'Changing your mind' is dangerous ground both during training and as long as you live with her. It is not a habit you want to get into.

The Three-Second Rule
Dogs have a bit of a short attention span and they live in the moment. When Gigi misbehaves, if you do not catch her in the act, or better yet, right before the deed has been done, if you wait to reprimand her, she won't have understand why. After the fact discipline never works, you will just be left with a confused animal.

Disciplining When You're Angry is a No-No
You've no doubt heard of the Dog Whisperer. Cesar Milan continually advocates being calm and assertive throughout her life and especially during training. Never discipline your dog when you are angry. Best-case scenario, she will be confused, worse, afraid. Yelling at your puppy, while it may have your dog fearing you, she won't respect you.

Dogs Can Be Distracted Too
When Gigi isn't listening to a command, take a mental step back and make sure that she understood you, and nothing is hindering her from listening to you. Stress, fear, or a number of distractions could lead to her apparent disobedience, and not necessarily mean that Gigi is ignoring you.

It is most important to realize that training is a process; one that takes time, patience and constant repeating. Some dogs get it quickly and it stays with them, others are slow and resistant. Once you learn which "type" your puppy is, you'll know the best way to train her.