Understanding the nature of dogs and the pack theory.

Dogs are pack animals by nature. A pack is a group of dogs that live together as a group and are very dependent on one another for survival. It is an integral part of the nature of a pack animal to try and rise to the highest level within the pack. However, there is room for only one leader.

When we share our home with a dog, he will in turn adopt us as his human/dog pack. He will either try and be a leader of this pack or he will submit to leadership with the right kind of guidance.

This is where obedience training fits in. Training gives the owner a language in which he can communicate to his dog, a language in which both can understand. Training can be introduced to dogs of any age, contrary to some who believe you cannot train an older dog. Puppies are capable of learning as early as 5 weeks of age. Most obedience classes will start accepting puppies after their first inoculations have been given (around 12-14 weeks old). Beginner classes will start when puppies are around 5-6 months of age, and older dogs are accepted in these classes as well.