Is your puppy tense and timid? Then learn the skills needed to turn them into a happy and playful adult dog. 

This article is mainly focused on why Dog Training is essential for puppies. However, the same strategies can be applied to older dogs if you are not happy with their behavior around the house or outside world. 

Why train your dog

So, you have made the great decision to bring a puppy into your life; congratulations, you have just got a whole lot of love and fun into your home. 

Pets, especially dogs, have been shown to improve their owner's physical and mental health. 

However, a new fur baby isn't there just for your benefit. You have a responsibility to provide that dog with a safe and secure environment—a place for it to grow into a well-formed, well behaved, and healthy pooch. 

Think of raising a puppy-like bringing up a human child but in a condensed period. You would have up to 18 years to shape the life of your child, but probably less than a year to train a pup. 

If you let the terrible habits manifest and linger, the doggie will take those habits into adulthood. This is not good for the dog's well-being or your lifestyle either. A happy dog is a well-trained dog that is used to a wide range of situations and behaviors. 

It is best for everyone if you take the time to properly train your doggo, and get it used to social situations. 

Things to look out for

New puppies don't know right from wrong. They will have some instincts and a few learned behaviors from their parents. That's about it. You are responsible for shaping your new pup. 

Obedience training

Or sometimes referred to as command training. This is where you attempt to build good habits and eradicate bad habits. For example:

• Toilet Training - Accidents will happen in the home, and things like puppy pads can prove useful. However, the aim of good toilet training is for them to go to the toilet outside as quickly as possible. Where you take the dog into the garden and give the command "wee." If it wee's, then you give the dog positive reinforcement to promote that good habit. 

• Recall - these are commands such as No, Stop, Come, Sit, Stay, Heel. These are all useful commands for the home and the outside world. These should be used with good intentions, and for the benefit and safety of the dog. While they should be used with authority and leadership, they should not cross the line into sounding aggressive and demanding. A dog should want to follow your commands; they shouldn't follow them because they are scared. 

• Leash Walking - Even if your dog is excellent at walking off the lead, and that is how you prefer the walks to happen. There will be circumstances and situations where you will have to walk them on a lead. The lead must be comfortable for both the human and the dog, which will prevent injuries and make the walks a lot more enjoyable and fun for both the dog and the owner. 

There are many ways to promote and positively reinforce good behavior. The most commonly used ones are Treats, Clickers, and good old-fashioned attention like a big old cuddle. 

A well-rounded dog training plan isn't one or the other. It should include both obedience and socialization training together. They will work hand in hand and gradually build together.

There is no one way to do things, and a good plan for one dog may not suit another. Yet one thing is vital in all programs, and that is patience. All puppies learn at a different pace and in different ways. So, work with the cues the dog is giving you back, be consistent, make amendments when needed, and trust the process.

Suppose you feel like things aren't working or are not sure if what you are doing is right. Then there are a lot of professional trainers, classes, and workshops you could investigate.

Do what is best for the dog, then you will both be happy and fulfilled.