Starting Out
Dogs are like children, they are born without manners and only have the instinct to survive to guide them. Like children, they need to be taught how to "fit into" your home.
Basic Principles
It is up to us to provide guidance and leadership in the teaching of our dogs. Consistency and persistency are the most critical considerations. Also "KISS" Keep It Simple Stupid! For example, as dogs do not "understand" English, but rather respond to sounds, why use words like "lay down", when "drop" will achieve the same result?
Response to Training
Dogs respond quicker to rewards and kind words. This is called positive reinforcement.
Food
Food is a great reward for work well done! (Works for us humans too).
Ignore Bad Behaviour
Some acts, like jumping up can be overcome by simply ignoring it. Your dog will quickly learn that this action gains no attention.
Tricks
Teach your dog basic tricks, like "roll over" after they have been taught the basics. Dogs are very keen to please their owners and it gives them more to do.
Repeating Commands
There is no benefit in constantly repeating commands. This will have the opposite effect and the dog will learn to ignore you.
Quick Rewards
Rewards and praise must be given quickly. Dogs have short attention spans and will not connect the praise with the act if too much time goes by between the two.
Head Harnesses
Head harnesses (Gentle Leader, Halti etc) are a wonderful aid to control dogs that constantly pull when out walking.
Love
Love your dog, play with your dog, but most of all, be fair to your dog and train it.