Tips & pointers on owning a dog
How to train your dog
A well trained dog is a happy dog: if your dog is well trained, it is likely he will not be a nuisance to you or others.
Generally it's more difficult to train an older dog, so it's always best to do the training when the dog is young; preferably at puppy stage. The Kennel Club can provide you with some details of clubs in your area.
Basic lessons that you should train your dog to recognise are commands such as:
- walking beside you both on and off a lead (heel);
- staying when instructed (sit or sit & stay);
- coming to you when called (come); and
- toilet training (clean or busy).
It is important when training your dog to build in a system of rewards and corrections. Dogs will learn by linking positive and negative reactions to your instructions: if your dog has obeyed your command during training, then praise him, by fussing and perhaps giving him a treat.
