1)  Start training early.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!  It is much easier to prevent unwanted behaviors than have to "unlearn" bad habits.

2)  Socialize your dog to everything.  This includes all types of people, dogs, sights, sounds and places.  Always make sure it is a pleasant experience for your dog.

3)  Create a healthy human/dog leadership relationship.  Humans should always be higher on the pack social ladder than dogs.

4)  Remember your dog is not a furry four legged human.  Do not treat him like one.  Learn how dogs communicate and use that knowledge in training.

5)  NEVER, NEVER, NEVER KICK OR HIT YOUR DOG WITH ANYTHING.  It will only confuse your dog and can cause injury and aggressive behaviors.

6)  Train gently and humanely.  Use positive motivation whenever possible.

7)  Praise your dog when he does what you want.  The power of praise is amazing.  Use a high, sweet, song like tone when praising.

8)  Never discipline your dog after the fact.  If you do not catch him in the act, forget it, you will only confuse your dog.  Just be prepared for the next time.

9)  Avoid training your dog when you are angry or stressed.  Dogs can sense these emotions.

10)  Never isolate your dog for long periods of time.  Dogs are very social creatures and want to be around their family or pack.  Isolation can cause stress related and aggressive behaviors.  Let your dog be a member of the family.