These are simple things NOT to do that can make huge differnces.
Do NOT forget to reward your dog.
It sounds silly to even mention it but people tend to not reward their dog enough or at all during initial training. This doesn't mean that a steak dinner is necessary every time, but when your dog is behaving well or performing the desired behavior then you, the trainer, should acknowledge it. Think of it like your boss giving you a raise, or telling you how much you are appreciated. It motivates you and makes you feel good about the bond you share with your boss.
If your dog has gotten away from you and is ignoring you while you call it to come, Do NOT punish it when it finally wanders over to you.
If you do the dog learns that if it comes to you bad things will happen. more on training you dog to return...
Do NOT allow yourself to get angry during a training session.
Your dog will always pick up on this, and it will take the fun out of an otherwise stimulating activity. Also, your dog will not want to listen to you, and you, in turn, will not be an effective teacher. more training tips...
Do NOT set your dog up for failure.
This is usually unintentional, but people do it all the time. The most common ways of making it easy for your dog to fail is by training in very distracting places or by leaving a dog who has chewing problems alone for long periods of time. Distractions should be added once your dog has mastered a command in a particular setting. If the dog will sit in the kitchen, try it in the living room before taking him to the park and trying it. Taking baby steps always helps.
If you motivate your dog, making it easy for him to succeed, then he will.
Do NOT give in to your dog every time it barks.
If you do your dog knows exactly how to get anything it wants.