The problem of dog behavior modification is one which every dog owner has had to face at one time or another.
Invariably, without the proper information, it is done in a counterproductive manner.
The basic problem, and of course it is human nature, is that we are trying to communicate with the dog using our perception of communication.
We talk to the dog and with reinforcement, expect him to understand.
The problem is that he does understand, but usually the opposite to that which we are trying to communicate.
This is the whole crux of dog behavior modification.
We usually try to reinforce through punishment.
I will give an example.
You want your dog to come.
You call his name and give the command "come".
He ignores you.
Naturally you repeat his name and say "come" but in a much louder voice.
Again he ignores you.
The third time is the same except that this time you give him a smack or jerk on his choke chain after having again repeated the "come" command.
The problem is that you are looking at the situation from your perspective.
Dog behavior modification requires you to look at how the dog sees this.
He now interprets the "come" command as something painful or unpleasant.
The next time you tell him to "come" the chances are that more than likely he will do exactly the opposite.
Look at it this way.
Your goal is dog behavior modification.
You are trying to teach your dog a new language.
You understand the concept of reinforcement.
What you don't understand is that it should be positive reinforcement.
In some cases you must ignore your dog and his behavior.
This is as far as it should go.
Yelling,screaming and violence are unacceptable.
In any case your dog will react to it in the same way that a human being would; he will avoid it.
You will get exactly the opposite of what you are looking for.