Some Basic Dog Training Tips

Reward good behavior.

Never ignore or punish good/desirable behavior!

Never reward bad behavior!

Do not let your dog ignore a command yet do not punish your dog if you call him/her to you.

Correct and show your dog what you want him/her to do in a calm, assertive manner.

If you are not serious in enforcing and showing correct form of a command just do not do it period. Why teach your pup something if you are not going to follow through?

Develop the proper use of timing. If your dog did something bad 20 minutes ago why punish now? The moment it happens the moment you correct. Simple. Make time to train your dog no excuses! If you cannot maybe you should not have a dog?

Do not blame a sick dog for behavioral issues...refer to a veterinarian to rule out medical issues.

If you think your dog has psychological issues such as anxiety, fears, aggression, etc. please refer to a professional dog trainer and always get second, third etc. opinion.
Interupt the behavior you want to change. Peeing on the floor? Put outside immediately. Barking? Telling them immediately to be quiet or whatever training aid you need to correct behavior.

How Not to Ruin Your New Puppy

Teach your puppy manners and basic obedience. No jumping on people. Waiting. Heeling. Coming when called.

Housebreak your puppy properly. Take your pup outside frequently. If the puppy has a accident don't rub there nose in it. Promptly take the puppy outside to the correct elimination area.

Introduce your puppy to a variety of objects and scenarios so they never are afraid of anything.

Socialize your puppy with a variety of people and other animals.

Make sure you puppy has annual checkups and up-to-date on shots.

Feed your puppy a well-balanced diet (avoid people food and cheap dog food, make sure a protein source is always the first ingrediant (avoid meat by-products and heavy grains like corn)

Dog Body Language

Before assuming what you think is going on in your dog's mind make sure you brush up on some common dog body language. Dogs can't vocalize how they feel so always pay close attention to your pup's posture and body language. These will give you a better understanding of how your dog is reacting toward situations or it's just their overall personality. 

If at anytime you have to question your dog's behavior or are worried about your dog's behavior consider consulting a professional dog trainer or two or three or however many you need advice from until you have confidence and trust in that professional dog trainer's(s) methods. 

How to Rehabilitate a Shy or Fearful Dog

Rehabilitate A Shy Dog

-Do not feel sorry for the dog.

-Try not to reassure dog or reinforce inappropriate behavior.

-Avoid threatening actions. Staring eye to eye with the dog, standing or hovering over the dog, petting the dog on top of the head, chasing the dog, shouting or raising your voice

-Remove dog from any "safe" hiding spots. Leash dog and softly pull out from spot/area. If dog struggles, give the dog a few seconds and try again gently.

-Exercise the dog, go for a walk.

-Set boundaries. Yes, a shy dog needs boundaries about what they can and can not do.

-Give the dog treats when he does something good. Not out of pity, but actually responding to training.

-Confront situations that create shyness gradually but consistently. Desensitize your dog to all things that they shy away from or create the behavior. Condition your dog to be handled by other people especially if the dog fears a certain person.

-If your dog is shy around other dogs, find a very friendly and easygoing dog and introduce slowly with direct supervision.

-Be watchful for future episodes of shyness and rehabilitate as necessary.

-If the shy behavior is a severe issue it is recommended that you contact a trained professional animal behaviorist immediately.

Always be patient with a shy/fearful dog.

Patience is key. 

Basic Commands Every Dog And Owner Should Know

So there are five commands which I think every dog and owner should know and practice routinely.

Sit

 This is one of the most easiest commands and even a puppy can catch on to it rather quickly. Tell your dog to "Sit". Hold a treat or hover your hand over his head and usually the dog will automatically sit from looking up. If not push his butt down gently till he is in sitting position. Praise your dog and tell him/her "Good Dog!" excitedly.

Lay Down

Yet another command that is easily taught. Tell your dog to "Lay Down" Use your hand to signal down or use a treat lowered to the ground until he is in laying position. You can also physically put him in the laying position gently. Praise your dog.

Drop It/Leave it/Give It

This command is a bit more difficult especially if you have a alpha dog. Play with your dog with a favorite toy of his. Avoid food or bones as they are highly prized items and your dog will be less likely to follow the command and these things can often create food/possession aggression . Hold out your hand and say the command of your choosing. If your dog immediately drops the toy on the floor or in your hand praise him. If he refuses to drop it take the toy from him gently and say the command and give it back to him repeat till he gets it. If you have a alpha dog on your hands your going to have to be a bit more careful but firmer with your command as well. Don't ever allow your dog to growl or snap at you! If this type of behavior starts tread carefully. If at anytime this occurs, as soon as you dog drops the toy pick up and tell him "No!" firmly.

If possession/guarding aggression behavior continues or worsens seek help from a professional dog trainer.

Come To Me/Bring It To Me

This command is a hit and miss. If you have a puppy this should be pretty easy since they follow you around and trip you over whenever they get a chance. If your inside your home/your fenced backyard just tell your dog to "Come, (dog's name!)". Every time your dog comes to you when called praise him/her excitedly or with a food reward. If you are outside at a park or something or other always have your dog on a leash. A lunge leash (super long leash) works great for recall. Never scold you dog when he comes to you! Never chase your dog he will just think your playing! If your pup is coming to you with no problems and knows the command "Drop it" you can kick it up a notch and add a ball or stick and teach him "Fetch."

Heel

All dogs should be taught how to properly walk on a leash. I gringe every time I see a dog dragging a person behind them from excessive pulling. A dog should be taught to walk beside you or slightly behind you for safety reasons. Never allow your dog to pull you around! Only use a retractable leash if you know how to use it properly, do not just let your dog wonder wherever he/she wants. They can get tangled or th leash can even snap if you don't have the right weight tension. It can be dangerous so I suggest sticking with a normal length nylon leash.When you go for a walk if your dog begins to pull you slightly tug the leash then release and say "Heel!" firmly. If your dog stops and looks at you praise him and continue to walk. Repeat as necessary till he learns to walk at a slower pace and in the position of being beside you or behind you. If you have a shy/fearful dog that refuses to walk on a leash please never drag the dog or scold the dog. Take things slower even if the dog walks a few steps praise and reward.