Like their wolf ancestors, dogs are pack animals. They respect and respond to their pack leader (called the Alpha Male/Female) and are primarily interested in survival and comfort. To a dog, survival means food. This is an advantage during training sessions, because it means that tasty, prepared, dog treats can be used as a potent reward for your dog's good behavior. You can also incorporate your dog's natural desires for comfort, play and personal space into your training routine as rewards for his positive responses.

Original dog pack:
The domestic dog's behavior corresponds to that of the wolf. Through selective breeding, humans have accentuated certain wolf behaviors and reduced others. Regardless of size or conformation, your dog retains the wolf heritage.

Modern dog pack:
Pet dogs rarely have the opportunity to act as a true pack. Sled dogs are an exception, but in this case there are TWO pack leaders - one human and one canine.

Willing to obey:
Few dogs actually want to be pack leaders. The vast majority feel safe and content knowing that there is someone in command. Early obedience training reinforces this natural behavior and teaches puppies to respond to commands given by humans.

Survival techniques:
Dogs are always learning and their mental and physical activities are geared to survival. Rewarding actions such as scavenging will cause it to increase unless you intervene and stop the behavior.

Comfort seekers:
Like humans, dogs enjoy the comforts of life. If you let a young puppy sit on the furniture in your home, it will always think it is allowed to sit there. You can avoid this, and future problems, by providing your dog with it's own comfortable, personal space to lounge.

Personal space:
Like wolves, dogs instinctively defend their pack's territory. Pet dogs learn to recognize the perimeters of their human family's territory, whether it is the car, the home or the yard, and will often strongly defend it.

Rewarding good behavior:
ALWAYS reward good behavior. Even if it's just hearty praise, your dog understands your tone of voice and will feel proud that he made you happy. But don't expect your dog to respond correctly the first time you issue a command. If humans rank English as one of the toughest languages to learn, just think how difficult it must be for a dog to understand us. Try to keep your commands to one-word commands, two at the most. Your dog will soon learn to associate these words/sounds with specific actions, and in return, rewards.

Avoiding discomfort:
It is rarely necessary to physically discipline a dog. Most dogs learn to change their ways to avoid even mild, indirect, discipline. Such as a squirt from a water pistol or a well dropped can of coins.

Mental stimulation:
Dogs need mental, as well as physical, stimulation. Providing your dog with a selection of unique toys to play with teaches him to chew on only certain items. It also helps keep them from getting bored with "...the same old thing..." and looking for other things to chew on, such as pillows, pants (I've lost MANY pairs learning THIS lesson.) chair/table legs etc... Rule of thumb, the more intelligent a dog, the more variety in their toys is needed. Oh, and multiply that by the number of dogs you may have. In no time, your neighbors will be asking if you have children, after viewing all the neat toys strewn about.

Social gatherings:
Make sure your puppy is properly socialized with other dogs and people (even cats, if you can) when it is young. If it is not, it may feel secure only with human (and in many cases, with JUST the family) companions when it matures. This can lead to a dog that is viewed as unfriendly and possibly dangerous. Even though we know he's just a big "fraidy-cat", other people can't read you dog's signs like you can and will always assume it's a bad dog. As dog lovers, we want to encourage good dog behavior and impress others with our intelligent, four footed, friends. The best way to accomplish this is to join your local Dog Training Club. Preferably one that trains any breed of dog. This will get your puppy to socialize not just with other people but with all shapes, sizes and temperaments of dogs as well. You'll be on your way to a happier dog and friendlier neighbors. You can also ask about the Canine Good Citizens (CGC) test for your buddy. That'll impress your friends and neighbors!