Dog training classes are designed for dogs of various ages. If you adopt an adult dog, obviously, you do not need puppy training, but you will need some basic training, such as socialization and housebreaking.

One of the first steps to choosing a training class is to know what you want from your dog. Do you want your dog to learn basic commands such as "sit", "stay", and "come"? If so, then you can enroll him or her in a broad-based training program so that you and your dog can learn together. Often the reason dogs do not seem to "get" commands is because the owners do not know how to train their dogs, so training classes is for both the owner and the dog.

Leash training is very popular because many pet owners simply do not understand the entire concept. Often owners become frustrated when their dogs seem "wild" on the leash, but it is actually the owner's fault because they are sending mixed messages by allowing the dog to pull or giving too much slack in the leach when walking. Therefore, just like all pet training, it is to teach the owner first what to do, and then relay that message to the dog.

Your dog is like a sponge and will learn just about any command you give him or her if you do three things:

1.Start slowly - do not expect your dog to instinctively know what you want the first time you attempt the training, keep it short and sweet

2.Reward and praise is crucial so that your dog understands that when they "sit" they will be rewarded

3.Be consistent. Dog's learn by repetition, therefore, if you are inconsistent with the training, you cannot blame the dog for not learning

Keep in mind that different breeds do tend to pick up commands and training faster than others do. However, this is no different from people, some people are great in math while others excel in English. It is the same concept with dogs, you will soon learn where your dog's strength lays and you can build on that. Some dogs are naturally agile, so you can incorporate some agility training, which is excellent exercise for your dog and helps to keep the dog focused and attentive. Other dogs are excellent at catching flying objects, such as a Frisbee or a ball.

Many people assume if they spend a lot of money on the "perfect" breed the dog will somehow be better trained "automatically" than a mixed breed, but this is fallacy because a mixed breed that has been properly trained can in fact, be better behaved than an expensive breed with no training. Therefore, you need to have a chance to tour the dog training company's facility and find out all you can about them. They should offer puppy-training classes, basic obedience, advanced training, and behavior problem solving training.

When you choose a pet training program, choose professionals that understand the canine and the various breeds, so that you can get your puppy or dog off to a great start. Your dog sees you as the leader, so you have to be a strong leader and someone that your dog will happily follow and trust.