Many people don't seem to understand rewarding a dog's good behaviour.  They don't recognise good behaviour or just expect dogs to somehow be naturally good.

Good behaviours are;  Sitting (not jumping up);  Quietness (not barking constantly);  Eye contact (giving you attention);  Walking on a loose lead (not pulling);  Coming to you for any reason (not running away);  Lying still (not racing around like a maniac);  Bringing you anything - even your best watch! (not playing keepings off);  Staying near you (not wandering off).

If you reward these behaviours you've just taught your dog to Come, Sit, Down Stay, Heel, Retrieve, Not Jump and Not Bark, and all without taking an obedience class!  Watch for one of the behaviours to occur, and reward your dog with a treat.  The concept is very simple, but if you fail to do it you may end up with the "dog from hell."

Use something your dog likes to reward the behaviours.  This can be a tidbit, a play session or a chance to retrieve a toy.  Rewarding this behaviour forms positive associations with those behaviours.  And he will want to perform them all the time!

A dog will only perform behaviours that are productive for him.  If you don't reward good behaviours, they will disappear and be replaced by self-reinforcing behaviours, like barking, digging and chasing.  Once you have formed good habits, they are hard to break.  Just as once bad habits are formed, they are equally hard to break.  It pays to do it right the first time. 

Reward the simple behaviours that you've been taking for granted!  Open your eyes and open your treat bag!  What you reward is what you'll get!

from Dog Scouts of America
www.dogscouts.com/everyday