Place the target (the tupperware lid or mousepad) on the ground. When your dog goes over to sniff at it, click with the clicker and treat by placing a treat on the target. Do not give a command...yet! Each time your dog sniffs at the target, ... more >>

Set the hoop against the ground. Firmly wedge it between two chairs, or tape it in the middle of a doorway so that it can't fall. Lead your dog up to the hoop and let her smell it. When she feels ... more >>

Teaching a Healthy Dog Teach your dog first how to bow and then how to crawl. This will condition it to place its weight on its front legs. Place the dog on an inclined surface, with its rear higher ... more >>

Have the dog stand in front of you. Hold a treat in your closed hand in front of the dog's nose. Your dog should REALLY want this treat. Move your hand ... more >>

Teach your dog to fetch and retrieve. This is a necessary component to the ultimate behavior your are training. When your dog has mastered the art of bringing the toys back to you, it is time to introduce the next step. ... more >>

Set up equipment for training your dog. You need hurdles, contact obstacles, tunnels and weave poles. With the exception of the tunnels, you can make all the pieces with some PVC pipe, lumber and various other odds and ends that are readily ... more >>

Keep in mind that while most dogs can swim, certain breeds--like labs, retrievers and poodles--are naturally inclined to enjoy the water more than other breeds. This doesn't necessarily mean other breeds can't learn, but you will probably have an ... more >>

Get your dog's attention. Your dog will need to have a certain amount of respect and discipline to attempt pole weaving. This will include listening to you and paying attention to your commands with rewards. ... more >>

Start when your dog is still a puppy for the best results. Although you can train a young adult dog who has the correct body conformation, it's easier to work with a puppy. By the time your pup is three months old, you can begin to teach him to ... more >>

Teach your German shepherd to sit, first. As your dog masters the basic skill of sitting, she will progress easily to lying down. This is because most dogs naturally go to the sit position on their way to the lying down position. ... more >>

Choose a treat to use to reward your puppy's behavior. Puppies respond well to praise and a physical reward. Keep training sessions short and practice them several times throughout the day. No ... more >>

Have your rottweiler lie down on his belly. This command should be readily obeyed before you move on to the next step in teaching your rottweiler to roll over. Hold a piece of a treat over the dog's ... more >>

Find agility training clubs that are located near you. They may offer classes in agility training, which you can attend before offering to teach your own classes. Tell participants that their dogs ... more >>

Avoid negative input. When dogs are young, they respond to getting their noses rubbed in excrement or their rear swatted with a newspaper. As they grow older this is not as effective a tool for teaching. ... more >>

When they are puppies you can use the pads and tell them good boy every time they use it. You can give them a treat to congratulate them. They learn fast but it depends on how old are they and how much follow up you give them. ... more >>

Start your training session right after your dog has eaten his regular meal. Studies indicate that dogs are more receptive to learning after they have just eaten. Find an open area without ... more >>

Reward your dog for paying attention. A dog that is distracted by the presence of other dogs, other people and strange sounds is not likely to show expression in the required manner for show presentation. Begin by giving the dog a small treat ... more >>

Keep your dog on a shorter leash, especially when you first start to teach walking etiquette. This keeps the dog closer to you so you can react faster if becomes excited or starts fighting with another dog. A 4-foot nylon leash give you enough ... more >>

Set a time for the training. Make sure it doesn't conflict with the dog's normal schedule of eating, playing or eliminating. Plan to spend at least five and no more than ten minutes each day in ... more >>

Start training your boxer to know its name as soon as you adopt it. If you adopt a puppy or dog who already has a name, consider keeping that name or one that sounds similar. Put your dog on a leash ... more >>

Get a toy that the puppy especially likes or a handful of enticing treats. Position yourself a short distance away from the puppy. Call its name if your dog knows its name; call "puppy-puppy!" if it ... more >>

Gently lead Fido by the collar over to his crate saying "Cage" in a soft yet firm voice. Once Fido is in his cage, close the door and give him a treat. ... more >>

Start by training your boxer with the aid of treats. Once he masters the skill with food as a reward, you can transition him to obeying your commands with the use of a verbal cue or hand signal. Hold ... more >>

Start your beagle in the sitting position with attention focused on you. A simple calling of his name or friendly greeting should bring his eyes to you. Give her the signal that it's time to learn by ... more >>

Set your dog up for success in the training. Choose a quiet space without a lot of distractions at first; you can gradually increase the difficulty as your dog learns the reliable recall. If your dog eats at a regular time, this can also be a good ... more >>