TRAINING AIDS  Premier Gentle Leader Headcollar Black, Medium

Planet Dog Harness - Purple, Small

FAVORITE DOG TRAINING BOOKS

EVERYONE should obedience train their dog.  No matter what the size or temperament. There would be far fewer dogs in shelters and unwanted pets. The saying "Untrained is Unloved" is so true. Puppies and dogs are like children, they need direction and guidance. Training your dog isn't just 6 weeks in a puppy class. It is an ongoing process and a dedication of your love to your pet.

Great Beginnings:

Socialization - In the old days, you didn't take your dog out of the house until it had ALL of it's shots. There is a new school of thought that you should start to socialize your puppy immediately. Introduce it to healthy dogs you know, and all sorts of people and noises. Take it to the mall and clean areas that other dogs have not been. Don't even think of going near the dog park.

There are puppy socialization classes where you can take your puppy to interact with other dogs. Their immune systems will be at the same stage and so even though they might not be old enough to have all of their shots, your puppy should be fine. Always use discretion and good judgment.

Basic Manners / Beginners - It's never too early or too late to learn basic manners and obedience skills. When you are looking for a place to train your dog, look for a local dog training club or an individual who is a member of the APDT - Association of Pet Dog Trainers. I am a fan of positive reinforcement training - no harsh commands or pulling on choke chains. I think that by making training fun for your dog, you will get more out of them.

Most dog training classes run about 6 weeks. Unfortunately most people believe that is all they need. Please, please don't quit there. As you will see below, there are many fun aspects of dog training and more that I haven't included. I will cover obedience for show, rally, and agility. There are other events like fly ball, dock diving, tracking, pulling, and much more.

CGC - Canine Good Citizen - Continuing with your training, you might want to complete the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® Program. The program was founded in 1989 and it is a certificate program that shows your dog has good manners and that you are a responsible owner. Your basic training will help you to attain this status. Many obedience training clubs and local shelters offer classes in Canine Good Citizen preparedness.
 
Novice Obedience - This is the entry level into obedience for show. It is also a level that everyone can benefit from. At this level your dog will learn to heal and sit when you stop, walk at different speeds next to you, heal in a figure eight, learn to go off leash, sit stay, down stay, stand, and recall (come). This is a more structured class than a basic manners or beginners class.

Open Obedience -  Open classes are an extension of the Novice classes and typically a dog gets an AKC or Mixed Breed title in Novice at dog shows in order to move on. Training can begin in Open even before a dog gets a title. Open continues with off leash healing, a drop (down) on recall, dumbbell retrieving, jumps, and out of sight sits and downs.

Utility Obedience -  In addition to the exercises in Novice and Open, in Utility your dog will learn how scent discrimination, hand signals, and working to do exercises with directional capabilities.

Rally Obedience -  Rally was a sport that was initially developed to familiarize people with the world of dog training and showing. It is considered a stepping stone from the CGC - Canine Good Citizen program. It is a fun and an interactive event where a dog and handler move through a course of different commands.

There are 3 levels beginning with all on leash activities, moving up to off leash and jumping. Learn more about AKC Rally by visiting the AKC website. I highly recommend downloading the Rally signs, print them and put them in a protective plastic. You can set up your own rally courses in your yard or living room

Agility - This in my opinion is the most fun anyone can have with their dog. It's great exercise for you both and brings your bond even closer. For those who aren't familiar with agility. It is an event where handlers direct their dogs through obstacles such as jumps, weave poles, tunnels, A-Frame, Dog Walk,  teeter-totter, and more. The great handlers in this sport make it look easy and not complicated. But don't be fooled, it truly is an art!