Being unaware causes many dog owners to feel they've got the “dumb mutt”, but all that Buddy lacks is proper schooling. Dogs learn by associating their actions with a pleasant or unpleasant results.
With this knowledge, we can transform Buddy into a welcomed addition to any family.

A common complaint among new dog owners is housebreaking. The old idea of rubbing the dog's nose in it and throwing him out the door doesn't seem successful. Naturally not!  Dogs learn by associating their actions with results. If a dog's action of having an “accident” on the living room carpet results in the displeasing experiences of having his nose rubbed in it and sent out, Buddy will quickly learn that it's much more pleasing to have his “accidents” in out of view locations - the bedroom, the closet, and any other place that you don't happen to be occupying.  Dogs know that they can't be punished unless they’re “caught in the act.” The key is that not only must the dog be reprimanded for going indoors, but must be rewarded with enthusiasm when he goes outdoors. Meaning you'll have to accompany him outdoors often during the four days that it will take to get the point across. 

The second most common complaint is destructive chewing. Most dog owners don’t realize that Buddy is considered a puppy until he is 18 months. Hard to accept if Buddy happens to be a Saint Bernard. It's hard to label a 200 pound dog a “puppy” ... but if he's under 18 months, he’s a puppy! 

Puppies need to chew. Just as a baby needs a teething ring. Unless the owner provides the chew toys, Buddy will provide his own. To prevent destructive chewing, provide adequate chews for the dog. Rawhide is fine; if Buddy has trouble getting started, run some hot water over it to soften it. Hard rubber play toys also work.  An Easy Lesson That Works  If chews have been provided, but Buddy is still chewing your son's favorite baseball glove, go ahead and give Buddy the glove – All at once! 

That's right, stuff it as securely into his mouth, then tie it there so Buddy can't eject it. Carrying around a mouth full of glove that he can neither swallow nor eject, can turn such destructive chewing into an unpleasing result.   A half hour of having to wear the object in the mouth does more than any amount of beating. Among other things, such action as beating would cause Buddy to sneak, and do all of his destructive chewing in places where you're not apt to catch him. The glove in the mouth method will discourage your dog to try and chew other items.  

Information written by Lori Stern of ohmydogsupplies.com, check for current discounts on collars and leashes online.