Dog Training Dog training is a must for all dogs. It is more than just telling your dog to stop doing what he’s doing; it is the process of teaching a dog to exhibit certain desired behaviors in specific circumstances. Proper dog training is not a “quick fix”--it is an ongoing process. Dog training also involves teaching the owner. Going through dog training is something that every dog owner should do. It is like going to school over again. It is all about communication, and you need to learn to communicate with your dog. Training your dog to “sit” is probably the first thing you will train your dog to do. When you want your dog to sit, hold a treat above his head and say “sit”. As the dog sits, say “sit” again and then immediately give him the treat. Your dog should drop into a “sit” position in order to reach the food. Teaching your dog to fetch promotes bonding. To do this, first throw a ball, and give the command “fetch”. As he starts to run towards it, yell “fetch” again. Instead of a ball, you may use the object your dog loves most. Do not play fetch with heavy items or sticks, however, as this can damage the dog’s teeth or injure the dog. A well-trained dog should remain where his owner commands, so “stay” is an important command in dog training as well. Since it is more involved, that will be the subject of another article. Dog training is a very physical activity, so be prepared to be tired. And dog training is never without risk of injury, especially with more aggressive dogs. One major mistake many dog owners make is to think that the dog training is over. Training your dog continues throughout your dog's life.