With the decision to add a new dog into the family, the initial excitement affects everyone from the children to the adults. Choosing a new puppy, who can be forgiven just about anything, to an older rescue coming into their new forever home, its a time for enjoyment for everyone.

However, left untrained, any dog can quickly become a problem and this can affect the pleasure of having this new family member. It's not only unfair to the family but unfair to the animal itself.

Issues That Arise By Not Training Your Dog

Here's what you can expect by giving your dog free reign with no training:

• People who come to visit may get knocked over if your dog is large or climbed upon when they sit.

• They may be unable to carry on a conversation with you if your dog is barking or licking incessantly.

• You'll be unable to safely offer food to your guests without watching your dog like a hawk.

• Your dog may whine and cry when removed from a room.

• Your dog will be taking you for a walk, instead of the other way around.

• And on it goes...

How A Well-Trained Dog Behaves

A well behaved dog, on the other hand, becomes a wonderful companion. Reminding ourselves that dogs come with a pack mentality, and giving them structure within your family is always in their best interest.

• He is aware of his owner's command and follows them because he loves to please.

• He behaves in a way that is likely to be helpful and cause pleasant responses and appreciation.

• He will lay down and obey other commands at his owner's request.

• He expects and waits for his daily walks for exercise and to do his business.

Many people believe that a dog should be crated when the owner is not at home. While this can work to train a dog initially, it will become unnecessary as the dog learns to wait for you to come home and attend to its needs. A dog that is kept confined in a very small area too often, may express himself aggressively when removed from the crate or on the opposite side, may exhibit depression.

Basic Training Commands

Making sure your dog gets the proper amount of exercise will go a long way when you start your training sessions. Using treats also works very well when you're trying to reinforce the desired behaviour. Eventually, your affection for a job well done will be all the reward that is needed.

• The first command ideally should be to COME which is usually very easy for the animal to learn.

• The next is STAY and SIT and these will need more patience as a puppy is constantly moving.

• LEAVE IT and GET DOWN are two other very important commands that should be reinforced with a food treat.

• GET IT or FETCH to retrieve an object should not be too challenging. It's the bringing it back or GIVE that your dog may tease you or resist DROP IT by playing a tug-of-war with you for the ball.

• Other commands that make sense, depending on the breed, are JUMP or GIVE ME YOUR PAW and so on.

• Get creative, this is a great opportunity for additional training which will reinforce the growing bond of trust.

Your dog will naturally learn that it's much more pleasurable to obey than to do as he pleases. The length of time needed to train your dog in these commands will depend on his breed and particular intelligence as well as your own patience.

If you are unable to devote the time to training your pet, have a professional train your dog. It will be well worth the time and effort. Either way, your trained dog will be such a pleasure to be around and bring lots of joy to you and your guests for years to come.