People don't want to carry around food all the time. I get it. But consider this: Would you rather wash dishes or watch your favorite movie while eating ice cream?

Think of the things we ask our dogs to do - sit, down, stay, walk on a loose leash, not bark at the delivery man - as the dog's job, and they should be paid according to the difficulty of the job.

Why do dogs do what they do? Why does your dog raid the trash can, or counter surf? Why does your dog come when you call (or why not!)? It's all about the motivation.

House training is at the top of the list when you bring home a new puppy or dog. Yet, it can also be one the more frustrating aspects of dog training.

Training our dogs is all about communication. Clear, consistent cues enable our dogs to learn quickly and easily, while reinforcing the learned behaviors make the behaviors strong and long lasting. But how can we communicate to our furry, four-legged friends if they can't see or hear us?

Teach your dog something without saying a word. It's easier than you think.

Chewing is all about toning jaw muscles. And even though dogs no longer need to split bones and grind down marrow to survive, the urge is still hardwired into them.

Dogs are creatures of habit, and a disruption can be upsetting. The resultant anxiety can cause changes in behavior. Barking, whining, destructive chewing, eliminating in the house can all be anxiety driven. Dogs are also thought to be able to suffer from depression, which can manifest into lack of energy or appetite.

Being a responsible pet owner not only means taking the time and effort to make sure your pets are taken care of and happy, but also means respecting your fellow pet owners, neighbors and community.

Each year, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the largest professional association for dog trainers in the world, proclaims January "National Train Your Dog Month".