by Maple Herzog

Created on: August 14, 2009   Last Updated: August 28, 2009

Dog training is important to ensure that your dog turns out mentally and emotionally healthy. Proper dog training can help your dog develop a sense of "pecking order" and establish yourself as the "alpha" so that your dog will be more likely to obey your commands, and be more well behaved. Dog training is also an important socialization tool - that is, it helps your dog interact better with other humans and other dogs.

For every new dog or puppy that enters your household, there are five fundamental things that you should teach it. These orders help your dog to get started on obedience training .

1. Crate training

Crate training is the foundation of all dog training tools. It serves two purposes: creating a safe haven for your dog and aids in future training. The crate provides a den-like atmosphere for your dog - in the wild, the den serves as protection for dogs and is the one area where they will keep the neatest and cleanest since it is where they sleep and rest. For this reason, crate training can help in housebreaking your dog as well. In addition, crating your new puppy or dog for short periods of time can help avoid separation anxiety in your dog later.The crate also serves as travel cabin for your dog should you need to take him on trips in the car or in an airplane.

To crate train your dog and to help him embrace his den, make it comfortable by furnishing it well with a blanket, a dog mattress and some chew toys. First start off by putting treats in the crate and closing him in there for short periods of time (about 30 minutes at most). As your dog becomes used to crate, you can cut down on the treats and keep him in there for longer periods. Every time your dog goes into his crate, you can use the command "Crate!" to help him associate the word and his crate. Pretty soon, your dog will be able to go straight for his den the moment you say "Crate!". This can help you leave your dog for long periods alone without having to worry about him chewing through your socks or furniture!

Never use the crate as a form of punishment since this will confuse your dog! Instead, let it be his retreat and his "space" and allow him to use it for comfort and security.

2. "Look!" command

The next thing you should and must teach your dog is to pay attention to you. Without mastering this command, all attempts at training your dog will be futile since your dog will not pay attention to you, let alone obey your commands. The "look!" command is of particular importance when

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