Training Tips for "Good Dogs" by Janet Smith of Good Dog! Training

There are three essential principles to responsible dog ownership: Relationship, management and training. All are equally important for a "Good Dog"...neglect any of the areas of responsible dog ownership and behavior/health problems will result. Training using humane methods teaches an animal to modify his natural behavior in order to succeed in an unnatural environment-your home. Management involves attending to the physical and psychological needs of the dog-food, shelter, play, exercise, mental stimulation and social contact. Your relationship to your pet is essential-you must be your dog's leader and teacher, always treating him with consistency and respect, in order to have control of your dog's behavior.

1. Remember learning is going on constantly-not just when you're training.
2. Never take desirable behavior for granted. Praise, pet, treats...
3. Anticipate how your dog will react in certain situations...be prepared in how you will react to his behavior. Praise good behavior, prevent mistakes.
4. Set your dog up to be successful. Train him using positive, gentle methods (praise, pets, treats)
5. Think about behaviors you want from the dog rather than behaviors you don't want. Prevent undesirable behaviors (management)until you have trained the dog to behave in the way you want him to.
6. Manage your dog...don't leave an untrained dog/puppy unsupervised until he's had the training he deserves. (It isn't fair to scold a dog for damaging your things when you haven't trained him to play/chew/interact with his things and to leave your things alone).
7. Train and reward your dog for "hanging around" with you...an untrained dog that's out of sight is into trouble. Try to convince him raiding the trash isn't any fun after he's experienced the joy of his adventure-it's better to never give him the chance in the first place.
8. Don't reward undesirable behavior. Don't reward whining, barking, begging...no "reward" for the behavior and it will "go away".
9. Remember what is cute in a puppy isn't so cute when he weighs 100 lbs.
10. Don't test the limits of your training-take baby steps. Don't let the dog out of the front door until he'll come when called in the house, in the back yard...EVERY time.
11. Keep training sessions short, treat it like a fun game with a chance to win great prizes. Praise, petting, play, treats.
12. Use your dog's name when you need his attention. Don't use your dog's name to scold him you'll only teach him to ignore his name.
13. Never call your dog back to you for something he thinks of as unpleasant. Clipping toe nails, a bath...instead go and get the dog. Coming when called always = good things.
14. Be a source of positive reinforcement for your dog...a friend, pal, teacher.