Training Your Dog or Puppy Becomes a Bonding Experience

Why would you want to spend hundreds of dollars to train your dog? Did you get a dog so that you can experience the "man's best friend" feeling?

Training your dog can be done yourself. It becomes a natural bonding experience between canine and human. Many people believe that they don't have the time to train. When in most cases, it takes a few minutes every day to help tame and train your dog or puppy for that matter. Training should be fun and exciting for you and your dog. I spent ten dollars on one book and a couple more on the right treats. If you would consider that spending money to train, then $20 is my answer on the amount of money you should spend to train.

If you don't know how to train, there are plenty of books that can help you along the way. Victoria Stilwell is my favorite dog trainer and her books are fabulous. I am not saying, don't ever use dog classes, because you do have to socialize your dog or puppy. The purpose of this writing is to let you know that you can do it yourself. Just put a little bit of effort into it. You also want to read up on the breed of dog you have and research what you are getting into. Some breeds might be more stubborn than another and some might need more stimulation.

The money I save goes to more treats, toys, and obstacle courses for my dog. She deserves every extra cent.

Finding out what makes your dog tick should be easy. Watch your dog as he plays in the house or runs in the backyard. If your dog is toy driven, you'll know. And of course if he is treat driven you'll know that too when you are sitting at the dinner table; finding this face on your lap.

When you have friends over for an evening, what better way to entertain than to show your dog off by the tricks you taught him? When they ask, how did you teach that trick? Your response is "I taught him myself," instead of "I paid someone to do it." Yourself worth just went up a notch.

Besides the whole money aspect of training your dog, the time spent with him or her is priceless. You and your dog will get more out of it then you think. Yes, it does become very frustrating. However, if you are able to overcome the first basic training commands, the training becomes endless.

I never thought I would ever know how to get a dog to roll over, but she does it on command now. I feel so much better knowing I did this or my wife did this. Instead of saying, I paid someone to get my dog to do this. Yes, it is the easiest way, but I love my dog more because she listens to me (with a treat of course). Of course the first part of training should be in a quiet environment working your way up into different distractions and loud noises. This will help maintain a well behaved dog. Just remember that your dog will not just learn overnight. Keep at it and practice practice practice. I am not telling you there won't be challenges. If you find yourself too deep into it and things aren't going well, seek help from a professional or shelter.

I take about 15 minutes out of my day every day, twice a day to teach my dog tricks. Sometimes she teaches me a thing or two, also. When she plays, does something funny; I add a word and use that word every time she does the maneuver. In time she will associate that word with the trick and she will do it on command.

Just recently I taught my dog how to stalk her toys. It is funny, because it is like a hunting dog going after game. We call it the "pointy face."

You acquired, bought, or even adopted your dog for a reason. Probably because you want that loving experience that pets give. When you are sad, they will cheer you up. When you are happy, they will play with you until both hearts are content. Our dog is happier knowing she can learn from us for fun, instead of learning from a stranger as work.

Training on your own may not be for everyone, but if you think it is for you don't give up. Be patient and keep with it. If all us fails, you may need to seek a professional. If you do not have money for a professional, speak to a shelter. They may be able to help or at least give you a few names for you to call.