Dos
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Do be nice to your dog every time he comes to you (even if he’s just coming back from an unexpected romp around the neighborhood).
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Do get into the habit of giving a command only once. If your dog doesn’t respond to a command you have taught her, reinforce the command.
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Do use your dog’s name to get her attention, and then tell her what you want her to do.
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Do eliminate the word “no” from your training vocabulary.
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Do use a normal tone of voice when you give a command. Your dog’s hearing is quite acute.
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Do be consistent in your actions and expectations.
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Do provide an outlet for your dog’s energies.
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Do keep your dog mentally stimulated by training him.
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Do understand that your dog is a social animal. Train him so he can be a part of the family.
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Do socialize your dog with people and other dogs.
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Do become your dog’s teacher.
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Do make learning fun for your dog.
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Do consistently reward with praise the correct behaviors.
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Do spend plenty of time with your dog and give her lots of exercise.
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Do keep trying, and your dog will reward you by getting the message.
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Do get outside help when you get stuck.
Don’ts
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Don’t do anything your dog perceives as unpleasant when she comes to you.
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Don’t nag your dog by repeating commands — nagging teaches him to ignore you.
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Don’t use your dog’s name and then expect him to read your mind as to what you want.
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Don’t expect your dog to know what the word “no” means.
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Don’t yell at your dog. She’s not deaf. Raising your voice doesn’t improve understanding.
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Don’t confuse your dog with unrealistic expectations.
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Don’t try to suppress behaviors that need an outlet.
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Don’t let your dog stagnate.
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Don’t lock up your dog or put her out because you haven’t trained her to behave.
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Don’t isolate your dog — he’s a social animal.
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Don’t expect your dog to obey a command you haven’t taught him.
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Don’t get too serious in your training.
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Don’t reward undesired behaviors.
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Don’t make your dog neurotic by neglecting her.
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Don’t give up when the going gets tough; keep trying.
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Don’t blame the dog; you are her teacher.