The dog owner is generally the cause of a dog behaving badly. It really gets on your nerves when a dog jumps up to soil whatever you are wearing. You may also find your front yard is being frequented by your neighbor's dog and used as a pet toilet.

These dogs are only as irritating as the children who have not learnt any lessons in life; and you call them bad dogs?

How can you blame the pups or kids when the adults are not behaving responsibly? Ask any smart owner and he would tell you that it is wise to take the help of a dog trainer to learn the handling methods without dampening his natural spirits.

Your vet office or local pet store can put you in touch with trainers who hold classes with pets and their owners but another option is to look for online help.

Owners can learn how to manage their pets from this training. Trainers have been heard to comment that dogs are easer to train to be obedient than their handlers. Dogs that must be leash trained for walking in public or at the park need practice; this begins around the yard or in a smaller location.

Both owners and neighbors get angry when they hear barking which although irritating is quite normal behavior. Shouting or punishing your pet for engaging in this normal communication is counterproductive - as well as confusing to the animal.

So why does a dog bark?

Well, just like a young child or baby, it needs attention, food or something to drink. Remember burglars get scared when a dog barks; remember this the next time you punish him for barking because it may not be a wise decision. You should not get your puppy to bark and then get irritated when he barks when he grow older.

You can bring about a change in behavior in your favor by providing the occasional bit of praise and a special treat; which is something the trainer will show you how to achieve. How do you make your puppy stop the undesired behavior?

Well, simply learn to reward him when he does something which is 'desired' behavior. There are many behaviors which are part of the breed of the dog so it is important to remember that you can teach your pet to go against these. If you want a certain type of conduct, then get one that can give you what you expect. Good dogs are developed by patience, persistence and kindness.