Ask the trainer what educational organizations he or she belongs to. Organizations such as the APDT, IAABC, NADOI and the CCPDT strongly encourage or even require continuing education for their trainers, so trainers who belong are more likely to be keeping up on their skills and knowledge.

A good trainer will also ensure that your pet's health is protected. He or she should require a health certificate or proof of vaccinations prior to the start of any class.

If you've done your research and you aren't able to find a trainer who meets your standards nearby, don't worry there's always home school, and the Internet is ready to help you out. Check out the videos on Petfinder for some educational and entertaining training information that will take you through many facets of dog behavior and training.

You'll find information on chewing, crate training, jumping, basic manners and more. We have tips on how to travel with your best friend, how to bathe your dog and step-by-step instructions for teaching tricks, too.

In the end, it's simple: By training your dog, you won't have to worry about what he destroyed while you were at work. You can have company over without having to strategize about what to do with your dog once they arrive. In short, a calm, well- behaved dog is a pleasure to have as a family member. So take some time to train your best friend because you love your dog.

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