Most people would agree that dogs are a man’s best friend. So why doesn’t every animal lover who want one adopt one? Because training them seems too tedious a chore. Luckily, there are some simple tricks that you can do to get you on your way to a having a more enjoyable experience with your dog.

First of all, you will have to set your leader status in the dog’s eyes. Once he recognizes you as his authority he will follow you without much trouble. Establish this daily with regular routine that mirrors the animal world’s system. Allow your dog to watch you eat first and feed him only after you’re done. Don’t walk around him if he is obstructing your path. Gently force him to leave his position by pushing him out of the way. As he acknowledges you to be the leader of the pack, the easier it is to teach him in the future.

Dogs can pick up your emotions even as you handle them. Use a firm and authoritative voice in training. However, it is also important to note that dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. Give him doggie treats every time he correctly accomplishes a command. If he makes a mistake, you have to correct him during the time it happens not after. Train him for ten to fifteen minutes several times a day and be effusive in your praise with his performance.

You will notice that dogs have similar behavioral patterns indicative of their mood. When happy they wag their tails, have an open look and bark a happy sound. Angry dogs bare their teeth, growl and tense up. Understanding your dogs mood will allow you to gauge him better, subsequently giving you response time to be able to train him more effectively.

You will need patience in training your dogs tricks. Dogs are best taught at around six weeks of age but if he’s been around the proverbial block a few times, there is still hope. Remember, you need to be cool and collected even when he messes up, especially in the beginning. Your patient guidance will see him progress sooner or later. Be consistent in your teaching patterns and training schedules. Confused dogs will forget what you want them to learn.

When teaching your dogs tricks, do so in an area you will least likely be interrupted. A more interesting object may be a better source of entertainment for him than the present training session. You will be hard-pressed to keep his attention when that happens. A backyard free from commotions, or any quiet fenced-in area will be a good classroom for him.

More than anything, keep in mind the reason you got the dog in the first place. Enjoy his doggie company! When training is beginning to seem like a chore, take five and just play around with him. Dogs will lavish you with unconditional love whatever may have happpened to you this week. And at the end of the day, it’s not how well he rolled over but how he got you to smile that makes him the perfect pet to have.

Geraldine Dimarco is an avid fan of the canine world. Find out more about dog tricks your pet will want you to know.