Training a dog starts with training yourself. Dogs are incredibly attuned to human behavior, so if you’re impatient, inconsistent, or uncertain, they’ll notice—and it can make training much harder.

Getting a new puppy brings a lot of fun and happiness to a home. I know this firsthand because we have a new golden retriever at our home. His name is Cowboy, and he is 16 weeks old. He is now the ...