1) This one is the most important one: Training should be FUN!

2) Training sessions should be short ( 5-10 minutes per session )

3) Training should not involve any negative or punishment-based components.

NOTE: The opposite of reward is NOT punishment, it is no reward.

4) Use the most powerful reward for your dog ( ie. small treats of food )

5) Reward your dog within 1/2 second of the command to ensure an association between behavior and reward.

6) Train in quiet areas first, then gradually move on to environments with more distractions.

7) To get great results with little stress on you or your dog, use a great training tool: THE CLICKER.

8) Don't take training too seriously! If you do, you and your dog won't enjoy yourselves and will be stressed.  Time spent together should be fun! Take it easy, have a good time, and remember, your dog is a dog, and your beloved friend, NOT a robot! Give him time to learn and hey! it's really no big deal if he's leaning in a little too much on the "sit"!