Some trainers also offer an intensive "boot camp," where the dog stays with the trainer for four weeks. Prices begin at $400 and go up to $1,200.

Utah has no governing body that regulates trainers, which means the methods can vary widely, and so can results. That's why those in the business say buyers should beware.

A few trainers, including Marshall Tanner of Alpha Dog Training in Salt Lake City, say some cases of bad behavior in dogs may require canine drugs, similar to those given to humans who have behavior disorders. But other trainers disapprove of such methods.

Michelle Rizzi, owner of Handle with Care Dog Training in Salt Lake City, says she uses positive-reinforcement training that employs "treats and toys and lots of praise" to motivate and reward dogs while training. The dog is then gradually weaned off the treats, which she says keeps the process fun for the dog.

Because there are no unified standards for trainers, what is considered positive training might vary from instructor to instructor. Rizzi, who is certified by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, says that is why owners should question their prospective trainers thoroughly before hiring them.

Rizzi says some trainers use methods that owners might find disturbing. She says that could include shock collars, spike collars or choke collars. "They all cause dogs pain and are not humane," she says.

James O'Bryan, who works for Anthony's Pets in Sandy, says in some cases, the animal is incorrigible. "But most dogs can be rehabilitated through some kind of training and behavior modification," he says.

O'Bryan says many people run into problems because they don't think about what breed of dog would work best with their lifestyle before they buy. They also make the mistake of treating a dog as though it were human.

"People don't take the time to educate themselves on what dogs need," he says. "Dogs need discipline and structure and rules and boundaries and need to be told what to do in a way that's effective."

When dogs lack that structure, they tend to develop behavior problems, he says. "Dogs expect people to treat them like they live in a pack of dogs, and if that doesn't happen, they get frustrated."

Tanner says owners need to establish themselves as the leaders of the pack. "You have to learn how to be a leader using dog language, eye contact, body language and vocal tonality," he says.

Both Jazz players have adopted blue-nose pit bull terriers. Williams has two 5-month-olds named Kaine and Kasha, while Jazz guard Brewer has Jade, who is a few weeks older. Brewer says he was excited to get Jade initially, but that quickly changed when he realized how out of control she was.