Dog training is challenging. I often get asked what the best method is or how to solve a certain behavioral problem. While the solution depends a lot on the person and the dog, it all starts with dog training fundamentals. I do not recommend one method over another, rather, so long as you have the fundamentals down it should not matter that much. Lack of this, in my experience, is a source of many training problems and behavior issues later on.
Your dog looks towards you as a leader. If you are positive, assertive, confident and consistent in your training you will have better results. Anxiety, nervous energy, anger and frustration make you a weak pack leader and no one wants to follow a weak leader. Assertive training that is not consistent confuses a dog as to why he can behave one way here but not that same way somewhere else. Your dog wants to please you. It makes him feel accepted by the pack and makes him a better family member.
When I am talking to someone about a behavioral issue with their dog I usually hit on one or more of these negative issues. Therefore, it does not matter if they are technically following good training methods. If their demeanor is poor it will have an adverse affect on the training experience and produce poor results. So, when I give advice I always start here and find that once someone understands the fundamentals things begin to go better.
I recommend every dog owner, at a minimum, train their dog to sit/ lay down, stay, come, and to leash walk. Again any training method you wish to use is fine. Having a good recall is very important and tends to be one of the biggest complaints I hear. Leash walking is important so you and your dog have a great experience in places where it is required. A pulling dog will lead to frustration and eventually you will stop taking him places because of it. Sit, lay down and stay not only have the obvious advantages but are great commands that other people will likely give your dog when they meet him. This will have the additional affect of reinforcing who is in charge and are easy wins to let your dog please you and feel accepted.
Finally, it is important to understand what drives your dog. It is usually food or play. Once again I do not care what motivation you use so long as it works for you and helps you get the results you want. My last two dogs are very food motivated. I had high hopes that my new puppy was play motivated but, as training progressed, it turned out he too was much more food motivated so I went with that.
Spending the time properly training your dog in the basics will lead to a lifetime of a well behaved dog you can take anywhere. Remember, they want to learn we just have to put in the time.
