Camden — You have just brought Fido home from the pound, and he’s not quite Lassie. Or maybe you’ve just gotten a new puppy, or are realizing that your family dog Spot needs some help. We may not all need a dog that can bring in the paper and take out the trash, but most of us want a dog we can live with. Before you start spouting commands at your dog there are some very important things to know. Understanding the following concepts is a prerequisite to having a well trained dog. Getting things started on the right foot will ensure that you and your dog get the most out of training – the first time.

Where Your Dog is Coming From

The first thing to understand before you start training is where your dog stands on the issue. While dogs are born with the desire to please, they are not born understanding how to fit into a human household. Dogs are born knowing how to be dogs, so the better we recognize this the more we can learn about communicating with them. For instance, we are all aware that dogs are not programmed with the English language, but it is important that our actions reflect this. Your dog will sooner understand the single word “come” than it will “Spot, if you don’t get over here right now there will be trouble!” Dogs are not born knowing how to walk on a leash, or what is an acceptable chew toy. As the rational human we must help our dogs to understand what is expected.

Where You Are Coming From

Of course understanding our dog is only part of the puzzle. Our needs play into dog training as well. The two biggest components of this are why we own the dog and what we want out of the relationship. Understanding why we brought Fido into our family will help to establish what we need to train. Does he need to be good around the kids? Mind his manners on the hiking trail? First identify what your dog will need to know to fit these roles. Maybe behaving around the kids means he needs to know how not to jump on people, and how to lie down in his spot and stay there. A dog you take hiking should probably know how to come back to you whenever you call. Once you identify what you want your dog to learn, be sure these skills become part of your training plan.

Putting it Together

Now that we have an understanding of what your dog’s expectations are and what your expectations are, how do we put that together to get our well-behaved dog? The first step is to have fun. Dog training, like life in general, will be more rewarding if it is done with a positive attitude. Your dog will have the chance to learn great new things. You will have the wonderful experience of watching your new companion start to respond to and communicate with you.

Training starts slowly. In the first phases of training Spot is “learning to learn.” She is putting together the idea that you want something from her. The more times Spot succeeds the faster she will learn new commands. As in sports, winning begets winning, success begets success.

The first phases of training are also all about teaching. Your dog can’t truly disobey you until it knows what it is supposed to do. This takes a long time, so your initial goal is to show and reward. Remember that regardless of whether this is the first dog you have trained or the fifteenth, you are still learning. Every dog is a little different. Part of the initial training is about developing a bond with the dog and learning to work as a team.

Have The Proper Tools

Now that you know some of what to expect it is time to get prepared. Before you start a training session with your dog you should know what you need and have it ready.

The first thing you need is a hungry, healthy, eager dog. A hungry dog will be more ready to work for food, and is less likely to need a potty break during training. A healthy dog is important because training can be strenuous—we don’t want to worsen any injuries. A healthy dog is also important because we don’t want Fido to have any negative associations with training. If his leg hurts he might connect pain to the commands you teach. If you are unsure of your dog’s health prior to training, have him examined by your veterinarian. An eager dog exhibits a good energy level. If you take your dog for a five-mile hike right before training she will be too tired to concentrate.

The next tools you will need are a well fitting collar and leash. For most introductory training a flat collar is enough—a pet store can help you pick out the appropriate type and size. The leash will be in your hands, so get something comfortable. Leather or web nylon are usually effective; chain leashes can hurt your hands. Six feet is a good length. Avoid using any type of a retractable leash for training—they are cumbersome to handle and don’t give the dog a clear idea of boundaries.

The next thing you need can be a little harder to get—your dog’s attention. The best way to do this is to eliminate as many distractions as you can. If at all possible do your training inside the house or in the back yard. These are environments that the dog already feels comfortable in, so she is more likely to focus on you. If you have other dogs in the house find a way to separate them from the training area. The next part of getting your dog’s attention is to have some really yummy treats. The key to treats isn’t the quantity but the quality. A great choice is small slices of hot dogs. They are cheap, easy to prepare, and don’t spoil quickly. A hot dog is more likely to hold your dog’s attention when distractions are involved than is a boring piece of dog biscuit. Biscuits also require chewing, which can slow down the reward progress. While some dogs will respond well to just toys and praise, it can be more difficult to show a dog what to do using these rewards.

The final way to be prepared for training your dog is to be in a good mood. Dogs are very adept at reading our emotions, and if we are upset Fido is likely to think it is something he has done. We are less likely to be genuinely positive if we are in a bad mood. If something has upset you, trade the training session for a cuddle session.

This is Part One of a Two Part series. Part Two will be published on Tuesday, November 17