Nearly every dog is eager to learn and willing to follow your commands. With a little bit of patience, and a gentle hand, you can train your dog to do almost anything. You may not end up with a Lassie, but you will have a dog who your neighbors will enjoy having around, and who you will be able take places with you and enjoy it!
We currently only have two Siberian Huskies named Dakota & Shadow. Being huskies, they are slightly high strung, but they are part of our family and we wouldn't have it any other way. They love the attention of the kids, and in return for their affections, they treat the kids with respect.
As youngsters, they were both a bit of a challange. Being a high energy breed, I had to learn to work with their energy rather than against it. I put Dakota's energy to work with some light agility, and also in teaching him to respond to a command as quickly as possible. We go through simple routines of "sit, stand, lie down" as quickly as possible. He loves this, and it is fun to watch him respond as fast as he can. He has gotten so good at this, that I have added another step, and try to fool him by throwing in a different command every now and then, and saying them in different orders so he never knows what is coming next. It is all like a game to him, and he loves it. Rewards are another wonderful way of working with your dog. Shadow responds wonderfully to treats. Keep a pocket full of tiny bite size treats (We use very small pieces of bacon) and when your dog does what you want him to reward him. If he does it wrong, correct it, and then reward him. If you always reward him the minute he does what you want him to, he will catch on very quickly.
A mistake alot of people make is repeating a command over and over again. If the dog does not respond correctly the first time, correct him. DO NOT say "sit Rover...Sit...Sit Rover...Sit...Sit...SIT!" He won't understand why you are getting upset, and you will not accomplish anything without showing him what it is you want him to do. Also, don't baby your dog while you are training him. If he does not sit the first time, sit him down. Don't say "It's okay Rover, come on sit down." This is rewarding him for not doing what you want him to. Remember, if he doesn't do it right the first time you ask, show him. Keep working with him. Eventually he will understand, and you will be amazed at how fast he will learn other commands once he has figured out your training meathods.
Good luck, and never give up!!!
