Reward Your Dog’s Good Behavior
The first thing to remember with dog obedience training is that positive reinforcement is the basis of any successful program. When the dog performs a trick or does as he is told, you should reward that behavior immediately with a treat or a pet. Bear in mind that most dogs are exceedingly food-driven; try to figure out which tasty treats your canine craves, and use them as an incentive.
Over time, the impulse to follow commands will become hard-wired into the dog’s mind. You won’t always have to reward the dog with food, nor will he continue to expect it after a while. Still, it’s important not to skimp on affection when your dog demonstrates good behavior. Just be sure to provide the reward almost instantaneously. Dogs don’t possess the same level of understanding about cause and effect that humans do.