Do pick the right dog for your conditions, don’t rush things or let your heart rule your head when picking a puppy or selecting a dog for adoption.
Do give your puppy a name that is short and ensure that everyone uses it regularly, if only to attract the dog’s attention and as an introduction to a command.
Do set house rules in regard to where the dog is allowed to go (preferably no upstairs) and what it is not allowed to do. Make sure that everyone observes these rules.
Don’t let your dog do anything you don’t want them to do as adults. Do provide your dog a comfortable and warm bed placed in a quiet place.
Do make a big effort to habituate and socialize your dog when your first have it and as an ongoing task that it loses its innate fear of common circumstances, sounds, other dogs and people.
Do play games with your dog to exercise its mind and body. Be careful, however, about playing tug-of-war games, especially with dig bred s for guarding. Make sure that you win all the games if you are losing, call time out door change the rules. Remember, you are the ruler and your pet is your servant when playing.
Do give your dog a few extra privileges if it is becoming too submissive, as evidenced by lying on its back exposing its abdomen and possibly dribbling urine but take care not to overdo it.
Do use hand signals as well as verbal commands, but make sure not to use them inappropriately.
Do teach your dog that you want it to pay attention by clapping your hands gently and calling its name.
Don’t shout at your dog and never punish your dog if it is slow to come when asked.
Do leave your dog a “clue” like leaving radio on and going through a consistent routine when you intend to go out and leave your dog in the house.
Don’t ever leave your dog in your car with children, no matter how well-behaved your dog is, and don’t leave it in the car with its leash attached to its collar, it could become caught up in gear lever or brake with potentially disastrous consequences.
Do teach your dog to be well-mannered and not to even think about biting, excessive barking jumping up at people, or being disobedient.
Do exercise your dog regularly and try to vary the walks you go on. Don’t make your dog work at training while on a walk.
Do think ahead and try to avoid possible conflict and situations where your dog might get it wrong. Better cross the road if an approaching dog looks like trouble.
Do teach your dog to eat only from its own food bowl and don’t let it guard it. Don’t give any tidbits while eating your own meal at the table.
Don’t give your dog more than two or three toys to chew. Never use old shoes and clothes as a chew objects. A 6–8-inch-long (15-20cm) hardwood stick stripped of its bark and about 3-4 inches (7-10cm) thick makes an ideal chew object.
Do try to make your dog into a happy subordinate, anxious to please but not a slave. Dog like to know the rules and where they stand.