A Dog Owner's To-Don't List
Bringing up a well-adjusted pup is about as easy as raising a
child. Avoid these mistakes with the help of Tamar Geller, who trains
Oprah Winfrey’s and Owen Wilson's dogs
Don't Say "Good Dog"
Sure, he laps it up, but vague praise is not a good dog training tip
because it won't reinforce a specific behavior. Instead, tell your dog
which action was good—for example, "good sit," "good fetch," "good
roll-over-and-play-dead-for-the-pretty-blonde-lady." After some time
(and a few reinforcing treats), he'll be eating out of your hand.
Don't Say No
It's clear enough to us, but a dog doesn't know what to make of "no," since it's a command to do, well, nothing. If you want to try to modify bad behavior—eating off the table, drinking out of the toilet, jumping up on people—direct your pooch to do something different and more benign. When he obeys, offer a treat and use the praising method described above.
Don't Leave Your Dog Unemployed
A dog needs to stay busy—even if that means shredding the sofa while
you're at work. Keep your hound out of trouble by giving him a project
he can sink his teeth into. Stock up on a variety of hollow rubber chew toys, and stuff four with dog treats before you leave in the a.m. It'll take him all day to extract every last crumb.
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