Dogs make wonderful pets, offering loyalty and affection as well as endearing personalities and intelligence, but an unruly dog can cause havoc in homes and lives. The secret to living harmoniously with your canine companion is proper training, and this book covers all the basic principles that a first-time owner needs to know. Living with a dog is not just a privilege but also a significant responsibility that should never be taken lightly, and this book begins with a guide to responsible dog ownership - from neutering and spaying through to choosing a breed that is appropriate for your lifestyle. A guide to equipment gives an overview of the collars, harnesses, leads, crates, bedding, food bowls, brushes, combs, treat bags and toys that are available. There are also hints and tips on general dog care, including dietary advice and recipes for homemade treats. Owners are guided through the process of welcoming a new puppy into the home and beginning his training and socialization. Step-by-step instructions explain techniques such as house-training, playing tug-of-war and teaching your puppy his name. This is followed by the most important commands, including ‘sit’, ‘down’, ‘leave it’, ‘stay’, ‘wait’ and ‘settle down’, as well as walking nicely on a lead, coming back when called, and sitting quietly when visitors call. The book also covers the most common problems that can occur, with solutions for correcting these. From biting, digging and barking to stealing food, jumping on the sofa and attention-seeking behaviour, the book shows how to get the best results without the need for punitive methods. With over 330 photographs focusing on making training easy and fun, this book is a highly accessible guide that responsible dog owners cannot afford to be without.