I've been teaching dog training group and private lessons for years and have found that if people would bear in mind the following 5 golden rules with dogs then absolutely loads of behavioural problems could be helped.

1. Dogs must not be allowed on settees and upstairs - the reason is that if they do then this elevates the dog and it starts to think that it is higher up the pack order.

2. Dogs must eat after the pack leader - the reason is that dogs need to understand (as wolves do) that the pack leader always eats first and then they are allowed to.

3. Always ignore your dog for 5 minutes when you enter a room - the reason for doing this is to make sure that the dog is in a calm frame of mind before he is recognised - otherwise you are paying him attention when he demands it which will make him think that he is higher up the pack.

4.Don't allow dogs to push past you when you go through a door - again this makes them think that they are higher up the pack order. Just put them in the sit position and open the door - if they try to push through just correct with the lead and put them back into the sit - they will understand this more quickly that you would think.

5. Exercise your dog! It is absolutely vital that dogs are well socialised with other dogs and humans. Remember that it is better for your dog to go out for even a very short walk to the end of the road than not to go at all - there really is no excuse at all.

I hope these tips have been helpful - please click the box if they have been!