A. Be aware of your dog’s behavior when you are not at home. If problems exist (such as charging the fence after the mailman or meter reader) deal with these problem situations to avoid an incidence when you are not around. Keep your dog contained at all times. Adhere to leash laws, licensing and rabies vaccination requirements.

B. Serve as a canine ‘good will’ ambassador to your neighbors. Be open to concerns that your neighbors might have about your dog and fix problems before they get out of hand. Be available as a resource to other neighbors, and be the good example others can aspire to

Meeting the dogs needs

A. Physical needs of food, fresh water, exercise appropriate for the breed

B. Health needs of vaccinations, parasite control, and regular veterinarian visits as necessary

C. Psychological needs

1. Give your dog a sense of security by having the owner assume the position of ‘pack leader’ under any and all circumstances

2. Always be consistent in your interactions with your dog. Corrections should immediately follow the dog’s negative behavior. Correct your dog with well timed effective corrections and follow through until you get the desired behavior. Many times a simple verbal correction will be adequate. Show your dog the right behavior.

3. Praise your dog after he follows your commands, but don’t over do it. Praise should be short, simple and sincere without gushing or over emotion.

4. Establish with your dog a system of communication with consistent commands and words, which he can understand.

5. Teach him consistent rules and boundaries to enable him to cope with his environment. A dog does not understand a holiday or vacation from rules. Inconsistency will be perceived by your dog as weakness in the ‘pack leader’.

6. Approach your training with calm assertive energy. Teach him to respect and trust you by handling him in a consistent manner. It is your overall attitude, your state of mind and energy that the dog is picking up and processing in his mind. Dogs thrive on praise for a good performance. When your dog follows your commands obediently, then praise is appropriate and will support and instill this positive behavior.