Training Tips - Teach a Dog to Make Good Decisions

Remember: A behavior that is rewarded will be repeated.
 
Initially, do not talk to or touch a dog when training.
 
Ex:  Pushing the rear end down into a "sit" is YOUR decision.  You want to make sitting THEIR decision. 
 
Hide a treat in your fist, let the dog smell it and watch what he does.  He may jump, bite at your hand, back up, bark, or sit.  He is offering you behaviors, some good, some bad.  When you see the behavior you are looking for, then open your hand and give him the treat within 2 seconds of that behavior.
 
Repeat this over and over.
 
Then add the behaviors 'name' to it.  When he sits, then say "Sit".
 
Reward only good behaviors and make sure you ignore bad behaviors (if possible).