Anyone who owns a canine knows that a dog requires some form of training. This could be either for obedience or for behavior, which quite simply are one and the same thing. Teaching your dog how to perform certain tricks sure can be fun for you both but teaching the animal basic disciplines can ensure you and your best friend have a healthy lasting bond.

Each year millions and millions of dollars are spent on dog training and there seem to be an endless supply of 'experts' who have the answer to your requirements. Despite this, there are quite a few very effective resources and following are some of the most popular.

3 ways to get started quickly

1. Clicker training

Clicker training, also known as operant conditioning is the process of training an animal using a small plastic box, containing a metal plate, which, when pressed makes a 'click' sound. The most important aspect to clicker training and the reason it has become such a popular and effective method is because the click "marks" the exact behavior you want to correctly instill in your dog at the exact moment it's performed. Clicker training is also used for horse and cat training.

2. Dog training courses online

Typing 'dog training' into your favored search engine will undoubtedly bring up numerous options, which you'll find in a variety of formats. One online product in particular that is quite popular is Dove Cresswell's Dog and Puppy Training Online. Her online course covers: Puppy House & Potty Training; Dog Obedience Training; Crate Training amongst other things and she has provided a free lesson so you can find out for yourself exactly how it works. She also claims it can be used for all breeds and sizes of dogs.

Alternatively there are also e-books and videos you can order from other professionals and authors. Obviously online products and videos will require discipline on your part to ensure you work through the material step by step.

3. Local dog training schools

There can be little substitute for the real thing and getting you and your dog to a proper school on a regular basis would be ideal. Possibly the only real downside to this is having the time to get to all the classes as well as the potential expense involved.

You can easily find where a local dog training school is in your area by going online, checking the telephone directory or your local library.

To give your dog the best start in training you should consider doing your research cautiously and deciding what would suit you best in the long run. It doesn't help starting out with one type of course or program and then having to switch to another because it becomes inconvenient or too expensive. Changing the type of training or being inconsistent will just be confusing for your dog and could actually end up setting you back.

Do some research, decide what's best for you and your dog, stick with it and enjoy the effectiveness of dog training in action.