The easiest way to successfully train your dog is always to start with some basic dog training techniques. Still not fully understood, the relationship between man and his best friend goes back in time many years. Although many people will say that humans are smarter than dogs, after carefully watching you might wonder if your dog still might have the edge!

A dog's understanding can be compared to that of a two year old human child. However, a dog's senses are not like ours. Not only do they perceive shades of red and green differently than humans, but their noses are extremely sensitive in comparison. A dog's mind also processes information in an entirely different manner. In order to limit a trainer's frustration and misbehavior on the dog's part, it is critical to remember these differences.

Dogs have descended from the wolf, and as a result have a pack mentality. The expression "lone wolf" is a misnomer, as wolves and dogs are by nature social creatures, who do a lot of interaction with each other, and are ruled by a strict hierarchical structure.

Training can start as early as possible. For some breeds, four weeks is a good time to start. For the first several months, you should allocate at least thirty minutes per day, though a full hour is preferred, for training.

While housebreaking your dog is a bit more complicated (and we will discuss this in another article), there are a few basic dog training techniques that all training should follow.

First, you have to let him know who is boss. The critical thing to always keep in mind when it comes to your dog is that dogs have a hierarchy - there is the alpha dog, beta, and so on. To maintain obedience from your dog you must establish the role of alpha dog of the pack.

Techniques for dog training actually depends on the breed and the individual dogs itself. Just like human beings some dogs are more assertive than others. Attitude is the most important thing but you should also employ the aid of leashes, collars and commands. Always be sure that you are the one in control - not your dog.

This does not mean that you need to be dominating by using your physical strength, although you may need to when it is appropriate. Most of the time a firm hand and patience to wait for the dog to comply is all that is needed.

When training a young dog, it can be effective to lay the dog on their back and place a firm hand in the middle of their chest. Hold this position until the dog lowers his paws, demonstrating submission. Often it is necessary to reinforce this behavior by putting your face close to theirs which simulates dominance.

Begin with a short leash so you can keep the dog from pulling you all over the place. Let the dog have lots of time to run off his energy outside of training, but don't tolerate that kind of behavior or hyperactivity during training sessions.

Start by using short, clear commands which sound distinctly different such as sit, stay, down or come. Use a firm tone of voice but do not be harsh. Stay in charge of the situation but do not show anger. Avoid double word commands such as 'sit down' or 'stay down' because they sound too similar and can easily confuse the dog.

A constant tone, look and hand sign should be included with every verbal command. Later we can separate them, but initially it is important to offer simplest and most stable type of communication.

Don't expect much more from a two-year-old dog than you would a two-year-old human. Neither of them can be expected to understand subtle hints or inconsistent speech. Be persistent and do it the same way, every time. Don't let the same command have more than one meaning. It really doesn't matter if you use the command 'down' to mean 'lie down' or 'stop jumping up on people,' as long as you don't try to use the same word for both.

These dog training techniques combined with your patience and persistence will pay off in spades with a dog that is obedient and a fun to be around. Using these techniques will give you a better sense of understanding for your pet and will become a base of communication for a lifetime of friendship.