How do I get my dog to learn the rules in my house?

Dogs don’t communicate to each other using words. They communicate in their own special way.

You could say that there are two basic intentions behind their actions. We see these as good behavior and bad behavior.

As an example, let’s say you had a pack of Rottweilers and one of them, named Max was hitting up on a bitch named Flo. Well, maybe Dante, the leader of the pack doesn't like that and so says something about it - he communicates this by growling, barking, biting or doing something that is in opposition to what Max is doing. This stops Max from doing something that Dante didn't like.

And on the other hand, if Max and the other dogs are doing good things, this gets rewarded by Dante or even other dogs by giving their approval with a dog lick or just continuing to be content in their proximity.

Its similar in your home.

You wouldn't like it if Dante just swiped the Thanksgiving turkey (that you just spent the entire day making) off the counter and started eating it (true story). You'd scold him and give him a time out.

And then there's times when Dante is just the best loving dog you've ever known and that's the other end of the pendulum - that's when you reward him for his good behavior.

If you can master getting your dog to learn right from wrong you will have a relationship to be envied by many because he will listen to you and understand what the rules are in your house. A good trainer can teach you and your dog how to get these results.