Donna Thompson agrees. She & her partner teach obedience and agility classes through their Blue Ridge Dog Training Club in Charles Town, West Virginia.  They look at training "from the dog's point of view." She looks back on over 30 years of training dogs and also using these companions in therapy work at nursing homes.  She offers these 10 helpful tips to avoid making the mistakes many human/canine relationships face.

1. BE CONSISTENT.  This is often the "number one" mistake people make in training and obedience.  Owners allow a dog to get away with something as a puppy, believing it to be cute.  However, when the dog grows up and then believe the behavior is O.K., the owners no longer think it's so cute.  In addition, owners may allow a behavior to occur one time with no comment but scold the dog for doing the same behavior the next time.

2. HAVE A CLEAR VOCABULARY. We need to keep the same vocabulary with the dog so that the dog understands what is expected.  For example, a simple "No" command used consistently, is much better than using the words "Don't", "Stop-it" or "Quit" randomly.

3. HAVE A SCHEDULE. Dogs handle life far better on a regular schedule.  They look to you for direction and you need to give this structure to them.

4. KNOW YOUR PLACE. People make the mistake of trying to treat the dog as their equal.  A dog is a pack animal and wants direction from its owner.  You can be "quietly gentle" with a dog, but you need to set the boundaries.

5. CHOOSE A COMPATIBLE PARTNER. Different breeds (or mixtures of breeds) produce different challenges.  People often choose the wrong dog for their own energy levels and personalities.  Terriers, hounds and northern breeds (huskies and malamutes) are normally pretty difficult to train.  The are extremely independent and are not concerned necessarily about "pleasing" their owners.  For the first time dog-owner, a golden retriever might be a better choice.  Their sole purpose in life is to make you happy.  So observe the dog you choose carefully.  Watch how it acts, observe the energy level, and talk with the shelter counselor to find more about the personality.  Find a companion that matches your own personality.

6. TRAIN & STIMULATE. Too many dogs end up in shelters because their owners could not give them the training and mental stimulation they need.  Many are very intelligent animals.  By learning as much as possible about training and energy requirements, a person can create a friendship rather than frustration.

7. REWARD.   Do you do things better when you are praised or reprimanded?  Dogs are no different.  Many owners rely too heavily on punishment.  When that is combined with poor communication and inconsistency, a dog is often left bewildered.  Donna Thompson, in her training routines, uses "affection training with lots of voice and food rewards." If a dog makes a mistake, she just ignores it and repeats the command.  The dog soon learns that they get praise and cookies for doing what's right.

8. BE ACTIVE. People need to take a more active role in their dog's life.  Their dog needs to be around other people and other dogs for proper socialization.  To "bond", you need to share time.  Dogs truly want to become a member of your family.  Finding a dog only to tie it outside in the yard, simply isn't what dogs were created for.  The more time you spend with them, the more rewards you both will reap.  If you have ever been to Europe, you'll find dogs in restaurants, stores and everywhere.  The dogs are quite well-behaved because they have been in all the families' activities and have long learned to be "good citizens."

9. TEACH NOW. The old adage, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks," is not correct.  A dog of any age can learn new things.  However, don't delay training.  Be gentle and stick to every session.  Find time to help your dog learn this complicated "human" language.  Remember, he must know TWO languages - his AND yours.

10. FIND QUALITY TIME. Dogs accept you just the way you are but avoid trying to work with your dog if you are cranky, tired, have been drinking or are not in a good mood.  Losing your composure with your dog, can set your dog's learning back for months.  Dogs are a lot like us.  They seem to remember the bad things that happen to them and tend to forget all the good things! 
         Short 10-minute sessions daily will reap big rewards.  Have a plan for what you want to work on each session and ALWAYS end on a happy note.  Have a special toy that you only bring out during the session is a super idea.  Pull it out of your bag and make a big deal of giving it to them.  Put it away at
    the end of the session and keep it hidden until the next time.  This will keep the interest level very high.  They'll look forward to spending that valuable time with you!