The Dog Owner's To-Don't List

Bringing up a well-adjusted pup is about as easy as raising a child. Avoid these mistakes with the help of Tamar Geller, who trains Oprah Winfrey's and Owen Wilson's dogs

1. Don't say "good dog."

Sure, he laps it up, but vague praise is not a good dog training tip because it won't reinforce a specific behavior. Instead, tell your dog which action was good -- for example, "good sit," "good fetch," "good roll-over-and-play-dead-for-the-pretty-blonde-lady." After some time (and a few reinforcing treats), he'll be eating out of your hand.


2. Don't say no.

It's clear enough to us, but a dog doesn't know what to make of "no," since it's a command to do, well, nothing. If you want to try to modify bad behavior -- eating off the table, drinking out of the toilet, jumping up on people -- direct your pooch to do something different and more benign. When he obeys, offer a treat and use the praising method described above.


3. Don't leave your dog unemployed.

dog needs to stay busy -- even if that means shredding the sofa while you're at work. Keep your hound out of trouble by giving him a project he can sink his teeth into. Stock up on a variety of hollow rubber chew toys (, and stuff four with dog treats before you leave in the a.m. It'll take him all day to extract every last crumb.


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