At K-9 Companions Dog Training, we know that owners are happiest when their dogs are well mannered.

Along with the basic obedience packages, we include home manners, such as teaching the dog to stop at doors and gates, and wait until the owner releases them through the door. Also, boundaries can be taught in the house and front yard at curbs in order to teach the dog not to run into the street.

The client's favorite command is called "place." This is a command that sends the dog to a designated spot in the house to lie down. The dog can then spend time lying near the owner in the house without being a nuisance. This command is responsible for a one-third increase in the time an owner spends with the dog on average.

The dog should learn how to behave around company as well. Jumping up, sniffing, barking, and licking at your company is all discouraged.

Management has to do with the owner's care and housing of the dog. Proper fencing and enclosure areas, feeding, grooming, and health care are all covered. Each client's lifestyle and home is different, so management issues are customized for each client.