If you have a dog, you know the importance of proper training. All dogs are great, but one who doesn't understand basic commands can quickly become a handful. How are you supposed to get them to stop jumping up on guests or barking, if they don’t know “

?”

Know Your Roots

Sit, stay, and heel are probably the three most versatile commands in your toolbox. A well timed “sit” can be the difference between your dog bowling over your little niece or not. And “heel” is a true game changer when it comes to going on walks, not only in helping you establish your dominance by not allowing them to pull you around, but it can also save your shoulder socket from some undue wear and tear.

Gettin' Tricky

Once you manage the basics, it's time to move on to some more complex commands -- many of which can be quite useful and fun. For example, you can teach your dog how to fetch you things. That's right! It doesn't just happen on TV -- your dog could be fetching your slippers or the newspaper or anything (so long as you don’t mind them putting it in their mouth).

Make 'Em Work

If you are so inclined, you could teach your dog how to do a job (be a guard, pull a cart, learn agility training, etc.). Many dogs were bred to do work, and will get a little restless when not doing a job. Give them a task, and your dog will likely relish their new  duty and stop feeling bored or antsy. There's no time to be bored when there is guarding to be done!

How It's Done

If your dog doesn't know commands, and you're unsure how to begin training them, why not start with our Dog Training E-Series? Brought to you by ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities), a group dedicated to training service dogs, this series will give you everything you need to teach your dog 20 useful commands in just 10 weeks. Follow the instructions, and in less than three months you will be the proud parent of a well-trained and obedient dog.

Sign up to get the Dog Training E-Series here