Many dogs are "problem dogs" because their humans either: 1) never took the time to train them at all in the first place or; 2) trained them inconsistently, giving them mixed signals to the point that the confused dogs just ignore all commands or; 3) actually rewarded bad behavior. None of these are the dog's fault. The responsibility lies squarely with the human.

Like children, dogs need to be taught appropriate behavior. They don't come knowing how to behave, when and where to potty or what's okay to chew on and what isn't. When they're excited they bark and jump. When puppies play, they nip. They're dogs. That's what they do.

Have a Plan

Too few people have a specific plan when they get that new puppy or dog, thinking they'll just deal with whatever comes along when it appears. That is not the best approach to anything really, not if you want to be successful. It isn't enough to teach your dog "sit", "stay" and "come". Life is a lot more complicated than that. Have a plan. Be specific and the training will follow naturally.

Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself to help get you started:

Where is your dog allowed to potty?

Some people with teeny little dogs, particularly in high-rise apartments and the like, are happy to have their dogs paper-trained. Most want their dogs to eliminate outside with some wanting to limit the area allowed to a specific place in the yard, especially those with young children who also play in the yard.

Where do you want your dog to sleep?

Will he share your bed or your child's? Have his own bed? Where will it be?

Do you want to allow your dog to get on the furniture?

All of it, some of it or none of it?

Is your dog allowed in all areas of the home?

For example, some may not want a dog to be in carpeted areas due to shedding and allergies or such. Some don't want them in their bedrooms or children's rooms.

Do you mind if your dog jumps on you?

Small dogs aren't likely to knock anyone over and many find that being jumped on by a little guy is no big deal, others find it entirely annoying. Big dogs are another story, that should be a given, a no-no.

It's also a given that it isn't appropriate to chew your furniture or Italian leather shoes or bite the neighbor! But just because you know these things, doesn't mean your puppy or dog does. Plan for it all to potentially happen and teach your dog better before it does by instantly stopping any behavior that could lead to it.

Once you've answered these questions and any others of importance to you, there's your Dog Rule Book. Now follow it consistently. If there are other humans in the house, they need to know these dog rules and to enforce them consistently also so the dog doesn't get confused with mixed signals. Dogs don't really do "sometimes it's okay, sometimes it isn't". It either is or it isn't.

Having a well-behaved dog isn't difficult when you have a plan and stick to it consistently. But before you can teach your dog the rules, you have to know them yourself. The rest is easy. Otherwise you, yourself, create that problem dog.