The secrets behind training well-behaved dogs

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Dogs can be wonderful companions, but sometimes they need a little help fitting in with the family.

Eyewitness News reporter Foti Kallergis was at Club Canine in west Houston where experts say the key to training your dog starts with you - the owner.

Kathleen Kirby Turner said her pit bull struggled for years with aggression toward other dogs.

"I couldn't walk her. She was so wild, so alerted to anything. A leaf blowing by, she would start jumping and lunging," Turner said. "I couldn't live like that anymore."

Turner sought the help from a trainer and realized she was the issue.

"I was putting my nervous energy on her," Turner said.

Dog trainer Dean Miller said a dog needs the strength and leadership from its owner before it is able to function in that capacity.

Miller shares tips on how to get your dog to behave:

TIP 1 - Get your dog off the couch and out of your bed. Miller says if a dog feels like they are on the same level as their owner, they will try to rule you. For those who own small dogs, Miller also suggest not to hold your dogs.

TIP 2 - Don't over invest emotionally in your dog. It could cause the dog to feel unsafe or insecure.

TIP 3 - Put your dog to work.

"Every breed was bred to perform as a work tool," Miller said.

Club Canine teaches owners how to become effective leaders and teachers for your dog. For more information about training and obedience school, visit clubcaninehouston.com.

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