A typical scenario - a prospective pet owner walks into a pet store or animal shelter. The little guys are making cute puppy noises and batting big brown eyes. Almost instantly you fall in love and the next thing you know you are walking out of the establishment with a new member of your family. It may be a big dog or a small dog, an older dog or a younger puppy - everyone's idea of the "perfect" dog is a little bit different.

However, all dogs, big and small, young and old, can benefit from dog training. Dog training can take your puppy from a cute little mess to an ideal housemate and beyond. The start: puppy training The majority of dog training for puppies is designed to make them better household companions. For the average family pet, dog training will often not extend beyond this phase. For working and competitive dogs, this aspect of dog training is only the beginning. Dog training on the puppy level can encompass a variety of styles.

The most popular dog training (so popular, in fact, that many people do not even realize that it is training) includes things like training your dog to walk on the leash, house training your dog, and simple commands like "sit" and "drop it," as well as basic social behaviors. It is easiest to begin dog training at an early age, though if you acquire an older dog, you can do dog training with him or her as well. Dogs are happiest when they know what is expected of them, and dog training helps to make those expectations clear. Dog training is also a great way to strengthen the bond between dog and owner. Competitive dogs The next step in dog training would be for competition. Dog training is used by some owners to teach frisbee catching tricks on command with their dog or fetching items or with a freestyle routine. Dog training is used by other owners to teach dogs to pull sleds, run agility courses, or do other activities. This level of dog training requires a strong bond between dog and owner, as well as a willing subject. Dog training at this level is not something that you can do once and then go on with your life - it requires daily practice and commitment.

Many of the professionals you see competing in agility trials or other competitions have been working with their dogs for years to conduct the dog training required. Working dogs An even more stringent dog training method is required for working dogs. Working dogs assist people in a variety of fashions - they can be trained to sniff out drugs or contraband in airports, trained to assist the handicapped or disabled, or even trained as members of the police force or military. The dog training required for these dogs often takes months, if not years. Specific dogs are chosen from a young age to participate in this type of dog training, and often specific breeds are preferred due to breed characteristics. Only a few of the dogs that start on this dog training program end up being successful enough to have a career as a working dog. Their are a variety of dog training styles used for different purposes. Even so, nearly any dog and owner can benefit from dog training.

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