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Things To Remember

There is no one way to train.

If the method you are using is not working, try something else.  Do not get frustrated.  Your dog will sense this and either get confused or think it's a game and make it worse.

Each dog is different.

Not only is this true, but each dog will learn differently as well.  Do not judge your dog with others in your class or in the world.  If you feel your dog is not all he could be, take it upon yourself to change it.  His behavior is a direct result of your efforts.  Marginal efforts result in a marginally obedient dog.  Great efforts result in greatly obedient dogs.  Great efforts need not last forever, but daily practice and reinforcement does.

Different breeds of dogs...

were developed for different reasons or purposes.  Try to find out from where your breed originated and for what purpose.  This may help with present or future problems.  Example; Labs are hunting dogs and have high drive and tolerance.  This mandates a specific handling ability by you - not difficult - just learned. 

Pre Training;

Always ask your dog to do something for you before you do something for him.  Command "sit", then pet him.  Command "down", then feed him.  This practice not only daily reinforces the correct pack order, but is an opportunity to practice obedience and reinforce what is expected.  Teaching:  Initial correct response first time. Training:  Getting correct response on a consistent basis.

Home training;

The whole family, or anyone who interacts with the dog, should know the dog's commands and must use the same words.  "Down" and "Lay Down" are 2 different commands.  Pick one that everyone is comfortable with, and use only that command.

Puppies are cute when little...

and develop bad habits easily.  Remember, never let your puppy do something that you wouldn't let him do as a full grown dog.  i.e. Jumping, nipping, full biting, etc.

Dogs give love...

and companionship, but they require time, care, fences, and money.  Be prepared, be aware, and be smart. 

Never call a dog to you....

to punish him.  He will not come to you next time.  Always reward him for coming to you.  If your dog runs from you, try walking in the opposite direction and make a fuss as if what you're doing is really great and fun.  Chances are he will come over to check it out.  Dogs are very social creatures and like to be with you.  If you chase them, they think it's a game, and you'll never win. 

Pack leadership;

Dogs view their family like a pack of dogs.  There is a specific hierarchy with one leader (alpha) and each member has a place.  Preferably, your dog should look to you as his leader.  Obedience training continues to reinforce your leadership. 

Dogs do not understand...

past-tense or the future.  Never punish a dog for something that he did an hour ago or while you were gone.  If you catch him in the act, or better yet, catch him thinking about it, or just starting to do it, just clap your hands and say "NO" to distract him. 

Never give a command...

unless you are willing to follow through if your dog doesn't listen.  Don't give a command while you are in the tub unless you are willing to get out of the tub to reinforce.  If you give a command that he does not obey, and you don't reinforce, his lesson is  -  sometimes I don't have to listen.  This is the root of many owner's problems.  Start good habits early, after all, you expect good habits from him.