So you've brought a new dog into the household, you've decided what the right breed is for you and you've taught the dog the basic obedience rules. You think everything will fall into place from here but this is just the starting point for your training. You have to make sure your dog maintains it's discipline and the relationship between the two of you remains very strong. If you suddenly start a new job and are out of the home for extra hours every day your dog could well be effected by this. If your dog suddenly falls ill or is carrying a hidden injury this to can effect it's general personality. It is very important that you can keep up your training techniques and learn to spot when your dog is out of sorts, this will also aid your relationship with each other.

Your dog will always try to look to you as pack leader and it is up to you to make sure he always looks up to you in this way. Your dogs genetics will tell him that he is part of a pack and you are leader of that pack. If you show the dog any cracks in your armor he will try to become pack leader - this is in it's nature. You must remind him that you are leader and you are there to stay. When he's on his lead do not let him pull at you, this will reinforce the fact you are pack leader. Also, never let him get away with bad behavior because you are tired or you cannot be bothered.

Another tip which most dog owners tend to overlook is that you should always eat before your dog ( seems silly but it is effective ). As well as eating before him always walk through a door or doorway before him. If you appear as a strong reliable leader to your dog he will repay you with unlimited respect and affection.

You should really make sure you set aside some time to train your dog every day if possible. Much like educating children, dogs will forget their training if not reminded of the techniques every day. It is also a good idea to try to teach your dog something new every now and again. This will help to keep your dog challenged - we do not like going over the same thing again and again and neither will your dog.

So make sure you keep up your dog training and do not let your standards slip. A regimented system of training techniques will help you appear as the pack leader and keep your relationship with your dog a healthy one.