1. It is important to choose the right puppy for you and your family.  To obtain a puppy with a good disposition it is advisable to check the nature of the puppy's parents as this can give some indication of temperament.  Visit the kennel where puppies are asleep and call them, the first to come is often a good choice.  Puppies that hang back are likely to be shy.

2. Begin basic training as soon as your puppy comes home.  Your pup is ready for puppy pre-school between the ages of 6 - 16 weeks.  This also depends on the nature of the dog and his size, usually when he shows signs of independence.  Obedience training helps your dog if he should have any association problems.

3. A well designed programme will achieve a happy, obedient puppy in about three (3) months.  A grown dog may already have bad habits which will take longer to train.

4. Keep lessons to about ten (10) minutes each day, at approximately the same time.

5. A lesson should be held once a day at approximately the same time.

6. Ideally, only one person should train a dog at obedience as no two people treat a dog exactly the same and this will help reinforce good behaviour.  However at home the whole family should be taught and encouraged to take part in the training.

Equipment.  You need a check chain and a leather or nylon lead to teach Heel and Sit.  Later you will need a nylon lead about six (6) metres long.

There are five (5) basic commands:  Heel, Sit, Drop, Stay and Come.

Always use the same word and the same tone of voice for a particular action.  The dog understands more from the voice tone than the word itself.

HEEL: The first lesson should be over a fairly short distance - about 15 metres for a very small dog to about 100 metres for a large dog.  Gradually extend the distance each day.

1. It is usual for a dog to be on your left side.  The lead should be held in the right hand and should be slack enough to allow about 30cm of free movement.

2. The most usual problem is that your dog wants to run ahead of you and this tendency must be discouraged.

3. Make a sharp jerk and release on the lead with your left hand and say 'Heel'.

4. Follow this immediately with 'good dog' as soon as he regains the correct position.  You will probably have to repeat this correction a number of times.

5. Don't let your dog stop to sniff at lamp-posts and if you meet another dog, continue to pass it.

6. Don't try to avoid other dogs or you will give the impression that all other dogs are his enemies.  Your dog must learn that other dogs mean to harm and can be ignored.

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SIT: When your dog has learnt to heel you can start teaching him to 'Sit'.

1. Begin with your dog in the 'heeling' position with you walking forward.

2. Slow your pace as you come to a halt and command him to 'sit'.  At the same time, raise the lead in your right hand across the body towards your left shoulder. Place your left hand on the extreme rear of your dog's hindquarters.

3. Gently press down keeping the lead taut in your right hand.  This will keep your dog's head up and his bottom on the ground.  Don't place your hand too far forward because you will be pressing above the back legs.  This will encourage your dog to stiffen and he will refuse it.

4. Straighten up slowly, keeping the lead taut.  Bring your left hand to your side, gently slacken the lead and praise your dog.  After repeating this a number of times, the dog will sit before you touch him and you can remain standing.

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DROP: Getting your puppy to lie down should not be too difficult.  Most will drop readily from the 'sit' position in response to a slight pull down on the check collar.

1. With your dog sitting by your left side, gather all the lead in your right hand.  Squat down, being careful not to lean over.

2. Command 'Drop' while pulling on the lead.  If he is reluctant, place two fingers on the right hand inside of the check collar and pull upwards.  If necessary, use your left hand to press down on the back of his neck.

The command 'Drop' should be in a lower pitched voice than normal and slightly draw out 'Dro-p'.  With larger dogs, you may have to use your left hand to pull the dog toward you so he is slightly off balance.  If necessary, lift your dog's left forepaw while pulling downward on the lead.

3. Once, your dog is in the 'Drop' position, remain squatting beside him  and give him plenty of praise.  An active puppy may not want to stay in the 'Drop' position for more than a few seconds so encourage him by crouching beside him and giving praise.

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STAY: You now have to instil confidence in your dog so that he will stay in one position, knowing that you are going away but will return.  Again, this lesson must be repeated many times, with you gradually moving further from the dog.  Don't use his name in this exercise because it will encourage him more towards you.

1. Your dog can be in the 'Sit' or 'Drop' position at your left side.

2. Gather the slack of the lead in your right hand and give a firm command 'Stay'.

3. If he keeps still, return to your original position after ten (10) seconds and praise.  If he moves, start again from scratch.  This time pause in front of your dog for some twenty (20) seconds before resuming your original position.

4. Put the lead on the ground, place your foot on it in case your dog moves off.  Steadily increase the distance between you and your dog and the time of the lesson.  Remember to praise him for staying.  After constant practice you will be able to go out of the sight of your dog.  The first few times put him where he cannot see you but you can see him.  Return immediately if he moves and continue to practice in sight.

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COME: A dog must never be scolded for coming to you.  Even if your pet takes a long time, he must be praised.  Coming to his owner must always be pleasing for a dog, in that way you will always get a prompt recall.

1. Start with your dog sitting at your left side.  Gather the lead so it is short and command him to 'Stay'.  Place the palm of your hand just in from his face.  (Move slowly around the front of his face, repeating the command if needed.)  If he moves, begin again.

2. Gradually move away from your dog lengthening the lead as you walk.  Repeat 'Stay' if he looks like moving.

3. Walk to the full extent of the lead.  If your dog moves, start the lesson again.

4. To recall your dog, call his name, followed by the command 'Come', in a pleasant voice.  If he delays, jerk his lead gently.  When he reaches you, give the command, 'Sit'.  Remember to praise and pat your dog.  What sort of dog should I get?

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There are 169 breeds of dogs recognised in Australia and approximately 50% of these will adapt to living within residential areas and relatively confined spaces.

Prospective dog owners have a wide choice without delving with some breeds that are either too large or not well adapted to suburban living.

The recognised breeds are divided into the following separate groups.

Toy Group.  Nearly all of the types of dogs in this group will adapt to normal suburban living.

Terrier Group.  Once again this group will adapt well to suburban living.

Gundog Group.  Approximately 50% of this group will adapt to the normal household backyard.

Hound Group.  Many members of this group are unsuited for the suburban backyard because of their size or hunting instinct.  Even some of those that will adapt require very secure fencing owing to the hunting instinct.

Working Group.  Very few of this group are suited to the backyard situation for obvious reasons.

Utility Guide.  Most of the large and heavy breeds are unsuited with this group and should only be kept by an owner with larger areas and willing to spend at least two (2) hours per day walking their dogs.

Non-Sporting Group. This is a very mixed group in types and sizes and very many of them will adapt to suburban living.

If you require any more information on the type of dog that will suit you best, please feel free to contact the Canine Defence League or RSPCA.  Please remember that all dogs should be kept enclosed in a sufficient enclosure and that exercise and proper care is very important to keep them happy and healthy.

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