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Could you train your dog by following the steps on a DVD? Could you really begin with a darling little puppy who knows practically nothing of how you want him to behave in your home, yet end up with a puppy who is housetrained and knows how to sit, stay, come, and all the rest? Or could you start with an older dog who doesn’t know everything you want him to, and get him to be willingly doing all the basics?

The answer? Possibly.

It actually depends on you rather than on your pet. You can easily get a very good dog training DVD, and dogs and puppies are inherently trainable. So the question is: what about you? Can you make the time to get your dog trained? If you want to do it, you can find a DVD that is a tremendous tool to help you, even better than a book in many ways.

Here is what to do. Think about when the training will fit into your schedule. The best is if you can do three to five sessions most days, but even two sessions a day — likely before you feed the dog breakfast and dinner — are useful. Several sessions are better than one long one because studies have shown that dogs learn better this way.

So if planning and following through don’t bother you, chances are excellent that you can train your dog by using a DVD.

Is it better to use a DVD or to take a class?

Is it better to use a DVD or to take your dog to a class? This depends on the circumstances. How close is the nearest dog training class, and are its hours and price a good fit for you? Even more important is the approach that the trainer takes. New information has been making its way into the world of dog training over the past couple of decades, but not every trainer has yet crossed over to using the pain-free positive methods that are the most effective.

If you do succeed in finding a good dog training class, go for it! The regular habit of training at the class and doing homework will stand you and the dog in good stead. But don’t rule out using a DVD as well. Dogs really do have fun learning, once they get the taste for it, and there is no limit to the fun you can have with your dog through training!

Choosing a DVD

Be sure to get a DVD using positive reinforcement methods. I was very pleased to find Train Your Dog: The Positive, Gentle Method, with Nicole Wilde and Laura Bourhenne. I had read some of Wilde’s books and was not surprised at the high quality of the program. It covers come, sit, stay, puppy training, and much more.

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