Dog behavior modification is especially difficult when you're trying to recall certain freedoms you have allowed your dog for several years, or even just a few months. Although puppies have shorter attention spans than older dogs, canine training should begin when they are as young as possible. Puppies are adorable, and almost anything they do seems cute and harmless. If you allow them to nibble on your ankles when they're young, however, it could lead to problems when they get bigger. Nibbles quickly evolve into bites!

Inconsistency Thwarts Dog Behavior Modification
One of the most common mistakes people make when training their dogs is being inconsistent. If you feed your dog after he or she begs at the dinner table, the dog learns that begging is a great way to obtain people food. Regardless of how much you love your dog, chances are you will grow tired of his begging, especially when you are not in the mood to share your filet mignon.

You will realize there is a problem when you say, "No," or, "Go lay down," and your dog just looks at your and continues to beg. Many people lose their patience, but it is not the dog's fault! By giving your dog food from the table while the family eats, whether consistently or every once in a while, you have actually trained your dog to beg. After all, a dog's main goal in life is obtaining food, and begging can be a means to that end.

People let their dogs have their way (even when they do not deserve it) because they love their pets. It is natural to want to please your dog with a piece of chicken. However, any time you feed a dog outside its regular meal time, you are really rewarding him and encouraging him to continue his behavior. If your dog is doing something you do not want to become habitual, do not reward him!