Training a puppy can sometimes be frustrating. It takes a lot of commitment, and you have to remain patient and consistent in order to be successful. I have been training puppies for a long time. These are some of the most common mistakes I have found that people unknowingly make, and my well-meaning advice on how not to make them.

• Biting: This is a natural behavior for puppies, but they must learn from the beginning never to have their teeth touch human flesh. Train your puppy not to bite by "yelping" when he bites you hard (this is what his litter mates would do), but be sure that you don't move the body part he is biting, i.e., the hand. Hold that hand still and with your other hand point your finger and give a firm "NO."

• Chewing: Another natural behavior. Just as a parent must keep a constant vigil on a toddler to make sure he doesn't put anything inappropriate in his mouth, you will have to do the same with your puppy. Provide the pup with acceptable things he can chew, i.e., Kongs, sterilized bones. If you catch him chewing on something inappropriate, simply take the item from him, tell him "NO", and give him an appropriate chew toy. This will teach him the difference between what is acceptable and what is not.

• Jumping Up: The pup will do this for attention and you in response will most likely push him off. By doing this, he is getting his attention! The best way to solve this is to stand still like a "tree," making NO physical contact. When he plants all four paws on the floor, THEN pet and praise him.

• Crate Training: This is definitely the most valuable tool you will ever own for your pup. Dogs are den animals, and if taught right, the crate will become your pup's "den." It is a wonderful housebreaking aid and it provides protection for your pup whenever you are away from home or can't watch him. After all, we use play-pens for toddlers for their safety when we can't watch them, so consider the crate as the same for your pup.

• PLAY: Interactively play with your pup. It stimulates him, is fun for you, and it aids in the bonding with your pup. It is best not to play games of tug-of-war because this will instill dominance play and can sometimes cause aggression. Toss a ball or other soft toy and play retrieving games instead of "war games." Don't chase your pup to get him to bring a toy to you. This will only teach him to run from you. Try playing with two toys instead. If he doesn't bring the first one to you, throw the second toy. He will more than likely drop the first toy and go for the second toy. Keep this up and eventually he will learn to bring the toy to you.

• NEVER hit your pup! You never want him to associate anything bad with your hands. DON'T yell at your pup! He can clearly hear you. A firm "NO!" is the most important word your pup will learn. NEVER, NEVER SCOLD YOUR PUP FOR COMING TO YOU! If he runs away, and finally comes to you, praise him. I know this is hard because you are mad at him for running away, but if you scold him when he comes to you, you will only make him WANT to stay away more. Would you get near someone who yelled at you whenever you got near them?

• In conclusion, never make a big fuss over unacceptable behavior, but always reward good behavior!