Home dog training allows you the advantage of watching your puppy or dog transform from a mischievous menace into a well-behaved and obedient pet; and this happens in the privacy of your home. However, if you decide to call the dog trainer, here are 5 tips for in-home dog training. These tips will allow you to make an informed decision. What is your dog’s current obedience level? If your dog is already responsive to basic commands, you may not need a professional dog trainer. You can conduct the training yourself. Usually, the pet owner is better equipped to teach his dog. However, if you know nothing about dog training, it is time to call in the professionals, so that they can gauge what needs to be done and begin the home dog training immediately. How do you find a good dog trainer? Ask friends and family members who own dogs and have used the services of a dog trainer. You could even ask your neighbors for referrals. The Yellow Pages and the Internet are a wonderful resource to find dog trainers. Look for trainers, who have recommendations from canine organizations. Be sure to get multiple quotes and fix an appointment with the one trainer that you feel offers the best service to suit the training needs of your dog. What are the signs of a good dog trainer? It is important that you keep a close watch on the trainer and his style of training when he comes to your house. Do not tolerate, yelling, force or violence. Remember dog trainers do not require licenses to practice their craft, but there are organizations that offer certification. The best is the CDT or CDTA certification offered by the International Association of Canine Professionals. Also, ask the trainer for referrals before hiring his services. Follow through on them. Should you opt for individual or group-classes? If money is not a constraint, you can go for individual classes, so that your dog gets the personal attention that he needs. This will allow your pooch to learn quicker. However, do not disregard the benefits of group classes. They help dog learn social skills, which are an important part of dog training. When should you begin training your dog? This is a question most dog owners have. The answer is the sooner the better. Puppies should begin their obedience training when they are 8 weeks old. If your dog is older or mature, do not let that stop you. Dogs can be trained at any age.