Training your dog is an important part of dog ownership. Unless you get a mature dog, you will need to potty train your puppy if you don't want accidents in the house. Probably even more important is to teach your dog that you are his master, and he must obey you.
Enforce all of the commands you issue to your dog. Do no issue a command on a whim. Only give a command to your dog if you truly mean it. This can lead to having to repeat your commands. A well-trained dog should only need to be told once to do something.
Consider your dog's personality as you begin your training program. Make sure to start slowly if your pet has aggressive tendencies. If you try to exert control over a dog that prefers to be dominant, your pet may react aggressively toward you and derail your training plans.
Socialization skills are an important part of a well-rounded training program for any canine companion. Learning to get along with adults, children and other pets makes for a happy dog that is welcome in his surroundings. Socializing your dog is easy and can be incorporated into your daily activities. An evening dog walk, trip to the park or visit to the pet store can provide a great opportunity to expose your dog to short interactions with neighbors and their pets, while getting much needed exercise and bonding time with you.
When training your dog to walk on a leash, remember that your dog should follow where you lead, not the other way around. Dogs are pack animals, and the leader of the pack always travels in front. You want your dog to see you as the leader, so they need to learn to walk behind you.
If you do not have the knowledge to train your dog yourself it is wise to take him to obedience school. The instructor will show you how to teach your dog to obey your commands, and as a result, he will be more enjoyable to you and your family, and he will be happier.