• Be consistent, not confusing.
    1. Nothing will confuse your dog faster and sabotage his progress more than changing the rules on him. For example, if it's not okay for him to be on the couch on Monday, it shouldn't be okay on Tuesday or Friday.

      If you give the Down command when he jumps into your lap — but only when you're dressed for work — how is he to know when it's okay to get in your lap? If you like having your dog in your lap but there are times when it isn't convenient, either don't give him the opportunity to jump up, or gently lower him to the floor without a command. Dogs don't have the same reasoning ability humans do, so don't expect your pet to understand when it's not okay to perform a behavior that is usually acceptable.

      In order to raise a confident, well-behaved pet, it's important to establish simple, specific rules that every member of the family uses consistently when interacting with the dog.
  • Constant supervision prevents mistakes.
    1. While you're actively training a new dog in the family — especially a puppy — she needs constant supervision. If you aren't keeping a watchful eye on her at all times, you severely limit your opportunities to encourage appropriate behavior and discourage undesired behavior. Whether it's a potty accident on the floor or a chewed shoe, the problem is created through lack of supervision.

      Crate training is a wonderful tool. First you make the crate an appealing, comfy place for your dog. Then when you need to attend to other things — or when you take her out to potty and she doesn't -- you pop her in her crate for a short period. She's cozy, safe, and unable to get into mischief or soil your floor.
  • Practice positivity.
    1. It's absolutely counterproductive to lose your temper or your patience while training your dog. No matter how frustrated you may feel from time to time, it's important to stay even-tempered with your pet.

      It's helpful to remember a few things about your canine companion. He wants most of all to please you and receive words of praise and affection. He's trying to do everything you want him to do, but he's a dog, not a person and there must be allowances for that. He doesn't understand every word you say and he certainly can't read your mind. Your anger scares him and the more fearful he is, the less able he is to be well-mannered.
  • Set realistic goals.
    1. Dogs, even those of the same breed, are as diverse in personality and temperament as humans are. If your friend has a golden retriever who dances freestyle and puts her own food bowl into the dishwasher after breakfast each morning, don't assume if you get a golden retriever yours will do the same.

      Generally speaking, the more time spent working with a dog, the more the dog will learn. Raising not only a well-behaved pet, but a pet who does tricks and competes in canine events takes a lot of time, energy, patience and often, money.

      Set realistic goals for your dog and work toward them using positive reinforcement training. It would be great if every dog could be trained not to chew on inappropriate items, but the way to insure your belongings don't get destroyed is to insure your dog doesn't have access to them. Focus on setting your pet up for success. Dogs naturally want to repeat behaviors that earn them attention, praise, affection, and treats.
  • Patience and perseverance pay off.
    1. Make sure your pet is familiar with all your commands before you start correcting him. He has to fully understand and respond to the Down command, for example, before you correct him. If you correct him before he understands the meaning of the command, it creates confusion and wariness. A confused, guarded dog learns much more slowly, if at all.

      Don't give up! Most dogs can learn whatever you want to teach them (within reason) if you proceed with patience, a positive attitude, and a focus on achievements rather than lack of progress. During training sessions, always reward desired behaviors and acknowledge negative behaviors only to the extent necessary to keep your dog safe and your belongings intact.

      Remember, rewarding desired behavior increases the behavior; ignoring undesired behavior tends to extinguish the behavior.

      Training your dog should be fun for both of you and an opportunity to increase the bond you share.