1. Dogs are constantly learning and adapting through trial and error whether supervised or not. The key to preventing bad behavior is prevention through proper structure. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of training. Preventing bad behaviors works better than correcting bad them.

2. A dog's behavior is the direct result of reward and punishment. A dog will keep doing what it is rewarded for (good and bad behavior) and stop when there is a punishment or lack of reward. As owners we need to figure out what our dogs' motivators are and reward the behaviors we want and extinguish the one's we don't want.

3. Control a dog's access to resources and you will have an obedient dog. Make your dog earn his keep. He will be happier if he earns his kibble by pleasing you. Physical domination and confrontation should be avoided for the majority of dogs.

4. It is a lot more productive and easier to focus on teaching good behavior rather than correcting bad behavior. If necessary corrections can help your dog understand barriers but also teaching an alternative behavior goes a long way to getting the good behavior you desire.

5. The cause of most bad dog behavior is the dog's lack of ability to accept restraint. Dogs that have not been leash trained, crate trained, trained to be left alone, and restrained by human hands lack impulse control and exhibit a whole variety of behavior problems. These skills should be taught at a very young age.

6. If your dog is not 100% reliable on Leash then don't take her off-leash. Come is the most important command to teach your dog. Set-up training sessions so that your dog will comply every time without hesitation before taking him off the long line.

7. Work and play with your dog daily. Dogs that are engaged with their owners do not indulge in destructive behaviors. Dogs that are not exercised and played with will find their own means of entertainment which might not be so entertaining to you.

8. 80% of Dog Training is about setting boundaries and expectations. Only 20% is about teaching commands such as sit, down, stay, heel and come.

As quoted by Vivian Berman in her Article "Some Basic Truths About Dog Training"

If you want the dog to do it again, reward it.
If you don't want the dog to do it again,
unreward it.
Reward is something the dog wants.
Unreward is something the dog doesn't want.

$100 Reward for Space Referral 

I lost my space due to the property being sold. I am currently looking for a new training space (about the size of a 2 car garage) and would appreciate any leads that you all might have. I will post new classes as soon as I find a new location.