Getting a puppy is an exciting time for both the family and the puppy. When a puppy comes into a home, it will be exposed to a variety of new sights, sounds, and places to explore. This can be a very overwhelming and stressful time for the little critter. It is important for the owner to help the puppy adjust and become a well-behaved adult dog. This will involve teaching it to listen to your commands and desensitizing it to new stimuli.

Most puppy behavior experts say the critical learning period for a puppy is up to the age of sixteen weeks. The following are a few simple obedience techniques for training your puppy during this period:

Many people become frustrated with a dog that just won't listen. They want to understand their dog and develop communication methods that the dog will understand. Fortunately, there are a number 'friendly' training methods that you can use to help you communicate with your dog, which will help eliminate behavior problems.

Most behavior problems like biting, jumping on strangers, urinating on the floor, and barking, result from a failure to communicate properly with your dog. Basically, the dog does not understand what you are trying teach him. 'Dog-Friendly' methods of training means you can communicate and dog training without inflicting pain or anger. They are positive reinforcement techniques that are fun for both you and your dog.

Socializing puppies at an early age can prevent many adult dog behavior problems. Enrolling a puppy in a training school can prevent such future problems as constantly barking, running away, biting, fear of children, destroying items such as furniture, and much more. The best age to enroll your puppy in a training school is eight weeks. By participating in a training school, your puppy will have the best chance to live a happy and secure life.

Puppies can be a lot of fun, they're cute and cuddly and positively adorable. However, a new puppy can also require a lot of work, particularly if you are keeping it in the house. House training a puppy requires patience and consistency, much like toilet training a toddler does. The end result, a dog that is free to enjoy life as a house pet and one that will let you know when he or she needs to go outside, is well worth the initial effort.

Many pet owners are discovering that it is far more convenient to do their own dog grooming at home. Not only do you save on grooming fees and gas, which is a big expense these days, but you save time, as well, not having to commute to take your dog to the groomers. DIY grooming has several other benefits, as well. You'll get to bond with your dog and get to know him better through the grooming process.

Having everything you need on hand is very important since you want to be able to do each grooming step after the other, avoiding distractions. This is easier on the dog and will keep you organized, as well.

As most pet parents can attest, dogs are both amiable and feisty. These two seemingly incompatible traits are what dog training so difficult, especially in the early years. Luckily, experts abound that can give us helpful hints on how to get our treasures pooches to mind their manners and behave in public and in the home.

Below are the things you should know to train a puppy and a full grown canine. You can modify these approaches to fit the personality of your dog as these are guidelines, not hard and fast rules.