It is important to remember that dogs are social animals and unless trained to behave otherwise they will behave instinctively. They may bark excessively, they might soil your home, they might be over aggressive and fight with other dogs, they may chew your furniture or dig up your backyard – the potential for bad behavior is inherent. It is only with proper and opportune obedience training that you can start communicating with your pet and get him to behave with discipline. With the correct training techniques you can get your dog to sit, stay, roll over, fetch, and stop on command. Obedience training is the basis for solving most behavioral problems and will teach your pet to channel his natural behavior into more acceptable domestic patterns.

Untrained dogs are potential threats as well. They can be dangerous and place both other animals as well as people in danger. Dogs need to know who is in control and once they have ascertained that the person in command is you, your life as well as theirs will become a lot easier. By training them effectively you can in fact create a lifestyle conducive to discipline and security.

Training your dog takes time and effort. Do not be fooled by any promises that this is an easy task that can be accomplished overnight. Obedience training requires consistency and dedication. For the best results you need to set aside a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes daily. The earlier your start on training your dog the faster the results will be. This is not to say however that older dogs cannot be trained. It’s just that the younger the animal, the more receptive he is to change. After earmarking a fixed period everyday when you plan to work with your pet, you then have to adjust your mindset accordingly. Any pampering or over indulgence is counter-productive at this point. You need to be firm and neutral at all times. Always use the same phrases and instructions and speak clearly and slowly. Never raise your voice or hit your dog if he doesn’t perform according to your wishes. Punishing your pet will only confuse him further and prolong the training process. The only way to get speedy results is through positive reinforcement. When they behave in the right way, you should repeat the command and reward them with praise and a special treat. In this way your dog will make the connection between good behavior and rewards and repeat his actions accordingly.

There are several training aids available that can aid the process as well. One of the simplest is the leash and collar. Having your pet on a leash helps you keep track of it at all times and prevents him from running out of control. The latest in this line of technological aids is the GPS Pet Tracker – the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator. Designed as a GPS pet tracking system, this device attaches on to the dog’s collar. Using GPS signals it then allows you to track and locate your pet at all times. In addition to this, you can also create specific safe zones or spots around your backyard or a local dog park. If your pet leaves any of these areas, you will be notified by text or email. It can also provide you with a history of your pet’s movements over the last seven days. In this way, SpotLight can help you keep an eye on your pet around the clock and help you tweak his training schedule and program to achieve the best results.

If all this seems like too much for you, you could think of enrolling your pet in an obedience school. There are special classes for both owners and pets in the best possible techniques in obedience training. Training in groups has also been proven to be more effective and the support you get from other owners is reassurance in itself. Personal trainers can also be hired for a more individualized one-on-one program. These skilled trainers can custom design a plan for you and your pet along with working with your pet in his natural domestic surroundings. This would also be recommended if your dog is especially resistant to training and proving to be difficult. Remember not all dogs behave the same way. Some dogs are more dominant than others, while some more pliable and open to instructions. Whatever type your dog may be, he needs to know who the master is. Dog training is no easy task but at the end of it all, your pet will be well-behaved and more fun to have around for you and the rest of your family!