If you want to change your life, get a puppy! A canine friend will show you affection when you're discouraged and make you laugh when you feel sad. Almost like having a child, getting a dog entails some responsibility. You need to make provisions for it's feeding, health care, and safety. In addition to simply providing a shelter from the elements, a critical part of being a good dog owner is providing dog obedience training. A well trained dog will enrich your life in many ways.

Dogs vary in temperament according to the breed they are. They also vary in intelligence and the rate at which they learn good manners. To some extent you can ensure that you are getting a bright, good-natured dog by choosing a breed that has the traits you desire. This is not always a foolproof thing, however, and some mixed breed dogs have excellent personalities. The next step is getting them trained. This can be done on your own, or with the help of a trainer or class.

A well-trained dog will be welcome in social settings where a poorly trained dog would be a nuisance or even a danger. Imagine how nice it will be when your pooch behaves on a leash instead of straining at it so hard that strangers ask you if your dog has asthma. (That really happened!) Or imagine not having to be ashamed when someone comes to the door because your dog greets them like a gentleman instead of jumping all over them.

Dog obedience training makes the difference. Having a well trained dog takes commitment and a certain amount of time, but with consistency, virtually any dog can become a blessing instead of a curse. Most dogs have an inborn sense of wishing to please their owners. Good training methods will tap into this natural desire and maximize the potential of your dog.

There are different types of obedience training depending on the breed and goals you have for your dog. For instance, you can train him to enter field trials for registered hunting dogs. Or, you can train him to be an effective guard dog for you. Whatever hobbies or interests you wish to pursue with your dog, you will still be thankful for a foundation of basic obedience training.

This foundational training includes such things as being able to be around other dogs without going berserk. It should include knowing and obeying basic commands, such as sit, stay, heel, and come. It should include house-breaking and following the rules for polite indoor living. Even if your dog will be indoors most of the time, a well trained dog knows how to resign itself to being on a chain when necessary.

Dog obedience training faithfully and consistently carried out, really can change your life. If you currently own a young dog who wears you out with his antics, or who scares the neighbors, or who gets into trouble constantly, try investing time and money into some basic obedience classes. You will be glad you did.