We've all been there; frustrated beyond belief because after weeks of one-on-one training, your dog or puppy still goes on your carpet. You flip through the phone book or your favorite search engine and look for 'professional dog trainer' in your area. Up comes tens of thousands of trainers... which one to choose? How much will it cost? How long will it take?

Worry no more about this headache inducing scenario because you can train your dog like a pro in just a few steps. Just remember to remain calm; you didn't learn how to go to the bathroom by yourself in one day either!

Speak the Same Language - Obviously you can't decipher his woofs, but with a little bit of help he can understand your commands. However, it is up to you to help him learn these commands effectively. Keep the commands short and easy for a dog to comprehend, like STOP, HEEL, NO, or SIT. It's easy to get these commands out to get his attention without yelling. Teach by Association - Dogs learn best by association, so don't just bark an order without any context. A good example of this is the 'yelp & shun' technique to stop nipping in pups. The pup nips and you scream in pain, then ignore the pup so he knows he's done something wrong that has consequences. This same theory applies to training of any sort which is what separates good trainers from average ones.

- When your dog chews up shoes, don't punish him without showing him the offense...the shoe.
- Trainers suggest using a leash to help dogs understand when it's time for a walk or the bathroom
- Treats and Rewards are a perfect way to help your pet associate positive things with certain activities.

Start With the Basics - Before you start training your puppy to do tricks, professional trainers know that you have to start with the basics. You can't be a race car driver if you can't drive a car, and your dog can't play dead until he knows Being a Doggy 101. The first commands your pup or dog should learn are;

- COME
- SIT
- STAY
- DROP (or another word to drop things from his mouth)
- and QUIET

Manners - This one may sound a little crazy, but all pro trainers know that teaching your dog manners will make training him much easier. When you take your pup or dog for a walk, does he run far ahead, pulling you with him and frightening passers by? If so you've got a dog with bad walking manners. Correct this behavior by walking your new puppy during odd hours at first when very few people and animals are around. As he improves carrying out commands, change walk times gradually introducing your dog to more stimuli. As with all things, it is a step-by-step process.

Keep Him Calm - Dogs are generally pretty stressed out creatures, mostly because they need time to adjust in our world filled with sights, sounds, and smells. This is why many trainers sound like yoga instructors, it keeps the dogs calm and makes them less anxious about performing new tasks.

Your dog or puppy wants nothing more than to make you happy, but trying new things can be stressful and often scary. Start slowly, using a strong, clam voice and give a command. If he seems a little hesitant, speak calmer but not softer and more upbeat. You must give your pup the confidence he needs to complete the tasks until he has it on his own.

The pros have studied canines for years, and we've given you these tips to make training your pup the fun and exciting experience it should be.