• Make sure there's a match
• Unwanted behavior can be corrected
• Leadership is key
• Training basics
• Housebreaking 101
• Training an aging dog

Make sure there's a match

For training to be truly successful, it's critical to identify and make a personality match when choosing your dog. If you see yourself and your family as energetic, assertive and friendly, then finding an energetic, assertive, and friendly dog makes the most sense.

Keep in mind that no matter how positive the shelter environment strives to be, "given-up dogs" feel the effects of not getting the emotional and physical stimulation they need. These environments do not foster normal behavior and often lead to the development of unwanted behaviors such as barking, digging, and chewing, which are often caused by boredom, too much energy, loneliness, stress, lack of leadership, or medical problems.

It's important to get as much information as possible on the dog's history, in order to make a sound choice and to help your potential dog overcome these causes.

Unwanted behavior can be corrected

The good news is that most undesirable behavior can be corrected with proper training. The key to proper training is your commitment to consistently establishing limits with him and giving him lots of praise for good behavior over time. When you do this, you develop a steady trust and a bond with your dog, and he learns to view you as a strong leader.

Leadership is key

A big part of leadership is being aware of your own mindset. You are responsible for everything about your dog. The way you treat your dog directly impacts the way he behaves. The more you notice about your own behavior and how to correct it, the better the impact on your dog's behavior.

Suffice it to say, physical punishment should never be used. Aside from being cruel, it is ineffective in establishing the necessary bond and trust required for a dog to see you as a fair but firm leader.

Training basics

• It's a good idea to read a few reputable dog-training books in order to understand more than one perspective on dog behavior and training techniques.
• A wide range of training classes and methods are available, so it's important to do your homework in order to find the suitable method based on your dog's temperament.
• Start training classes (at home, in an obedience class, or with a private trainer) after you've lived together for two weeks or longer.
• Bring a sense of humor to the training and make sure both you and your dog are having fun. If you are not, determine why and consider other options.
• Training a dog to sit/stay, down/stay, etc., is important in establishing your role as leader.
• Reading and understanding your dog's body language is an important part of his training.
• Be sure to give him lots of verbal and physical praise and affection when he properly completes a command.
• Reward even the slightest sign of effort your dog is making to meet your increasing expectations.
• Doggie treats can be used to reward good behavior during training sessions, but after the learning has taken place, reward him only occasionally with treats while keeping the praise consistent.
• Consistency is essential in dog training - especially with commands and corrections.
• Use a quiet, steady voice with a firm "No!" to reprimand your dog, followed by a simple command like "Sit," then praise him with "Good Dog!" to reinforce the bond.
• Train once a day, when you have free time, in a quiet area free from distractions. Limit each session to 5-10 minutes - and keep it fun!
• Training needs to continue until the dog can listen and respond, even when he's distracted or excited.
• Train him in a busier environment only after your dog understands the command entirely. Realize that you may need to start from scratch, since dogs are situational learners.
• Watch your dog's progress and ensure he does his training "homework" each day. The typical time frame for training is a few months of weekly classes to several months - depending on your dog.
• If the dog has shown difficulties in any training situation, try again with lower stress situations, and build his exposure very gradually. Always aim to keep it enjoyable for him at all times.
• Try to understand why your dog may be behaving badly. If he is barking, ask yourself why and address the cause. Investigate behavior such as defecating in the house, whining or chewing - it could stem from a medical problem he could be experiencing. Call your vet and arrange for a check-up.
• Dogs learn at different rates - depending on the breed, age, and aptitude of the individual dog.

Housebreaking 101

Remember, dogs don't inherently know they're supposed to go to the bathroom outside and, more importantly, that they aren't supposed to inside! If your new dog isn't fully housebroken, he'll need to be taught.

Here are some general tips:

• When inside, closely supervise him. When he can't be directly supervised, confine him to a small area, exercise pen, or crate. This should be followed until he's gone at least 4-8 weeks with no accidents.
• Always accompany him outside to eliminate.
• Take him out frequently, especially after eating, sleeping, and play activities.
• Immediately reward outdoor elimination with praise and treats. This should be done as soon as he's finished. If you wait until you're back inside, he'll think the reward is for coming back inside. Keep a jar of treats by the door so you can easily grab a few on your way out.
• Provide an area for elimination that's protected from rain and bad weather.
• If caught "going" inside, startle him with a loud noise and immediately take him outside to finish eliminating. Again, reward him immediately.
• Clean soiled inside areas with enzymatic cleaners. These can be purchased at pet supply stores.
• Avoid punishment; it's rarely effective.
• Provide him with plenty of regular exercise, including leash walks, to help eliminate excess energy and provide positive interaction.

Training an aging dog

If your adopted dog is deaf, you must teach him to "Sit," "Stay," or "Come" with new visual (hand) signs or physical touching. However, teaching an older dog hand signals is not an easy task. But there are alternatives.

According to the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund, there are many ways to train a deaf dog besides hand signs, including vibration collars, clicker training, and more. If you're the owner of a deaf dog, these training methods are well worth looking into.

If your adopted dog is blind, his senses of hearing and smell will take over. Many blind dogs thrive with the proper support. Help him avoid hazards by not moving the furniture and create guides by using carpet runners and by spraying a scent on vertical surfaces like door edges, door frames and furniture.

In order to effectively train your newly adopted adult dog you need to show him that you can lead him by being firm and consistent in correcting his behavior. But you also need to be aware of your own behavior and you need to give him lots of praise, affection and fun.

After all, that's why you have a dog, isn't it? With a strong "pawshake" like this established, he might just become the best dog you've ever had.