Obedience Training

All dogs should have basic obedience training. You can start as soon as you get your pup, training the pup to "Come" when you call his or her name, especially when you're ready to take the pup out for a walk and play. After eight weeks of age, the pup can be taught to "Sit" and know what "No" means when the pup bites too hard.

Always be consistent with both praise and discipline. Never let your dog get away with anything, or eventually, the dog may become "top dog" in the house and therefore uncontrollable.

All dogs should be taught to "Stay" and should understand the command "Down," to facilitate handling them when crossing the road and to control overly enthusiastic greeting, jumping, and barking. Anyone with a large dog, especially of a protective guard dog breed, should attend obedience school.