Dogs are great pets--just ask any dog owner. Dogs can also act stupidly--just ask any dog owner. Dogs are animals, and left untrained will behave badly. It is up to you, the owner, to give him enough walks, training and cuddles to prevent bad behavior. But every dog will step out of line from time to time. It's important to know the proper ways to punish your dog on those hopefully rare occasions.
Instructions
Prevent bad behavior. Dogs, especially small breeds and puppies, contain oodles of energy. Left to their own whims, dogs will burn off their energy chewing your furniture and bounding back and forth in your apartment like a ping pong ball. Since you're in charge, you have to channel your dog's energy into acceptable behavior. Two to three 30-minute walks constitute the minimum your dog needs. If you have a dog run, take your pooch there to run around with other doggie friends. If not, arrange playdates with your neighbors' dogs. A tired, well-exercised dog won't have it in him to misbehave. Walking also prevents potty accidents.
Train your dog. It's best to do this when your dog is young, but it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks, so don't hesitate to take your adult dog. Look for obedience schools that teach compassionate methods for disciplining your dog. A real, live teacher is the best way to go. Obedience school will also help your dog get to know other dogs, a process known as socializing (see Resources below). If you don't have the means to take your dog to school, buy one and only one training book. Stick to its methods. Combining several dog training techniques will confuse you and your dog. Train for 15 minutes twice a day. It's a small amount of time, but will compel your dog to obey you. An obedient dog is easy to punish.
Cuddle with your dog. This part is easy. You want to do it. Your dog wants to do it. Giving and receiving affection bonds your dog to you. If you're not a cuddler, make sure you have toys you and your dog can play with together. It's important to let your dog know you're his friend and not simply his caretaker.
Catch him in the act. This may be the hardest part. If you come home and your dog wags his tail and you discover he has pooped on your favorite T-shirt, you can't do anything but throw out your shirt and get back from work earlier. Dogs don't have the kind of memory that you do. If you yell at him, he'll think you're mad he's greeting you with enthusiasm. When you do catch him in the act, shout "NO!" in a deep, firm voice. If he obeys, wait a few moments and then praise him for obeying your discipline. If he doesn't, get physical control of him. Put him on his leash and get him in the "down-stay" position. Ignore him for several minutes. Then pet him so he knows it's his behavior you disagree with and not him.
You will be tempted to hit your dog, no matter how much you love him. Hitting does not work. He will obey you because his love for you is unshakable, but he will also fear you. A scared dog will fight if the situation becomes overwhelming for him. Reduce your dog's violent tendencies by checking your own.