Training your dog is a great first step in strengthening the bond between you and your beloved dog and getting you and your pet the full enjoyment of a trusting and communicative relationship.

Obedience training is important regardless of what type of dog you have. Without proper training you run the risk of having your dog display bad behaviors and create embarassing situations for you and potentially putting your pet in harm's way.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when training their dog is that they try to teach their dog instead of directing him. Remember that you are the one in charge - you want to teach your dog appropriate behavior and then provide positive reinforcement when they get it right.

If you have ever considered training your pooch on your own or hiring a professional dog trainer, we believe that the answer is an easy one. You are the best person to train your dog and grow the relationship between the two of you.

Before you start the training session, make sure your dog is in a positive mindset, ie, you have their full attention and they are in an area without distractions. Take him or her for a walk so that your dog can go to the washroom.

It's also a good idea to have a quick play time directly before your training. It's a great way to relax your dog and make him comfortable with you.

You also don't want to try to train pets right after they have had a meal. Firstly, most pets learn best when there is a reward such as food involved, the what's in it for me syndrome. Second, dogs can get sleepy after they have filled their belly and may not be as motivated and energetic.

Treats are a part of any training program! Your dog loves to be rewarded when he or she does something right. Don't go overboard and give 3 dozen treats each time - save them for when your pooch has truly earned it so he or she knows what they did right. Also, you want to break the treats down into little pieces so that the dog has to work to earn the treats and it is in the working that habits are formed.

It's normal for your dog to run off every now and then during your training. Don't go in a frenzy and chase after them. Simply call him back using an authoritative tone to call him back and keep working on your training when you have his attention again.

Don't get frustrated if your dog does not get it immediately. The best approach is to be patient with your pooch until they perform the desired behavior and when they do, to reward them with lots of appreciation and some treats.

At the very least, the most important command that your dog must understand is "Stay", "Sit", and "Down". Stay is probably the most important as is down in the event your pet is inadvertently headed into harms way, a stern command will get his attention and save him from potential trouble.

Training your dog should be the first step you take in forming a strong relationship between you and your pooch. Whether it's a new dog or one that you have had as a friend for a while now, there's no better person than you to train your pup and make him the good boy or girl you want them to be.