Growing up with dogs, I understand how important dog training can be for my safety and theirs.
Let's take running for example.
If my dog takes off after another animal that could possibly harm him or if he was to sprint into the street, the outcome would not be pleasant.
If he came back, chances are he would be injured.
An example of my safety would be barking.
If my dog is constantly barking outside, I'm sure my neighbors would not appreciate it, but if he barks only at intruders he's keeping me and my family safe.
If he was to bite someone I could be faced with legal actions, unless that person came to my home with malicious intentions.
There are all type of products you can purchase to guide or help you with training.
All the "secrets" are online.
News flash, there are no secrets, only techniques.
My personal favorite is the one on one master.
The dog should only have one master and this master should define alpha status ASAP.
The alpha status is the dominant one in the relationship.
Use simple commands such as "sit, stay, stop, down, and come here, the simpler the better and include a hand gesture with the command.
One command should be used for one action, do not confuse the dog.
Through time and practice this is by far the best way.
Use treats or praise with your attention.
Dogs are like kids, they love to have your attention.
The technique explained above can be very time consuming, taking weeks or even months.
With that being said, what other options are there? I'm not big on tying my dogs up or using kennels.
My rule of thumb is, "Would I like to live that way?" Are those effective training methods? You're not training him, you're just imprisoning him.
The under ground fence is highly affective, not an eye sore around your property and cost efficient.
Although I really disliked the initial choke training method.
I looked at the long term freedom my dog will receive; the ability to be free is priceless in my eyes.
I have personally used this method for two of my dogs.
Both dogs are able to protect my home and play freely all around the house without being in danger of the busy street.
I tried it on myself before I put it on my dog.
It didn't hurt, it just made me jump and not want to do it again.
The same happened with my dogs.
For that biting thing, you can put signs up.
If some one shows up uninvited, the dogs are my security system.
When someone is an invited or expected guest, like a family member, mailman, etc.
, bring the dog inside.
It is a secure place where they eat and sleep or just stay out of the weather.
In my house we have a room with a separate entrance so dirt, rain, and mud doesn't get tracked through my home.
This could be the garage, basement or in my situation the porch.