Dogs learn fastest when the behaviour that is wanted is rewarded at once, in short, frequent sessions. Recall, loose-lead walking and settling quietly are the skills that matter most.
British veterinary and welfare bodies advise against methods based on fear or pain, and dog training is not a regulated profession.
Training gives a dog the skills to live safely with people: to come when called, walk on a lead, settle quietly and cope with visitors, traffic and other animals. It is done most effectively, and most kindly, by rewarding the behaviour that is wanted.
A dog repeats behaviour that is followed by something it likes and drops behaviour that leads to nothing. Training makes use of this. The dog is rewarded within a second or two of doing the right thing, with a small piece of food, a toy or praise, and unwanted behaviour is prevented, ignored or redirected towards something acceptable. Some trainers mark the exact moment with a clicker or a word.
The older idea that dogs must be dominated, and that the owner should act as "pack leader", was based on studies of captive wolves that have since been discredited. Veterinary and behaviour organisations in Britain advise against methods that rely on fear, pain or intimidation, which raise anxiety and the risk of aggression.
The method is the same for every breed, but what motivates a dog and what comes easily to it differ. Gundogs and herding breeds were bred to work closely with people and learn quickly. Hounds follow their noses and take longer over recall. Terriers and guarding breeds are more independent. Puppies have short attention spans, adolescents test what they have learned, and adult rescue dogs can be taught anything a puppy can.
A flat collar with an identity tag, a well-fitted harness and a fixed lead of about two metres are enough for most dogs, with a long line for recall practice. Head collars help with strong pullers if introduced gradually.
Choke chains, prong collars and collars that deliver an electric shock, a spray or a loud noise work by causing discomfort or fear. The British Veterinary Association, the Kennel Club and the main welfare charities oppose their use. Electric shock collars have been illegal in Wales since 2010.
Good puppy classes are small, use reward-based methods and give puppies controlled introductions to people and other dogs. Dog training is not a regulated profession in the United Kingdom, and anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist. Several organisations accredit practitioners who use humane methods, and the Animal Behaviour and Training Council keeps a register covering a number of them. Serious problems such as aggression or severe anxiety are first checked by a vet, since pain is a common cause, and then referred to a clinical animal behaviourist.
An owner commits an offence if a dog is dangerously out of control anywhere, including in its own home. Dogs must wear a collar and tag in public. Local orders can require leads in particular places, and on open access land in England and Wales dogs must be on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July and at any time near livestock. Allowing a dog to chase or attack farm animals is a criminal offence.
Related guidance is given under socialising a puppy, house-training a puppy and dog behaviour and body language.