Dog behavior and safety is the responsibility of the owner.  All dogs should be trained, both for their own safety and that of other people and animals.  Dogs need to be trained and exercised daily.  Training dogs helps prevent many behavioral problems.  Both young and old dogs can be trained.

Boredom is often a cause of bad canine behavior.  The best method of combating boredom in dogs is going to walks and playing games with your dog and socializing your dog with other people and animals.  Good toys are great boredom busters, too.

Dogs should be walked at least once or twice per day.  Even if you have a large back yard, you should walk your dog, play games with it, and socialize it.  Dogs should be walked on a leash at all times, and should always be under effective control by the owner.

Dogs should not be exercised if the weather is too hot, as they easily suffer from heat stress and heat stroke.  Under no circumstances should dogs be left in cars on hot days.  Dogs should not be exercised immediately before or after eating, as it can cause problems such as bloat, particularly in deep-chested dogs.

Socialization of dogs is very important.  Dogs should be familiarized with other dogs and people, as well as different places and situations.  Socialization should continue throughout your dog's life.

Dogs should have regular and frequent contact with their owner(s), other people and dogs as they are pack animals and human contact is important.  You should include your dog in your family activities inside or outside your home.  Without such contact, dogs are likely to become dull, apathetic or develop destructive or aggressive behaviors.

Teach family, friends and children how to interact with your dog(s). This includes teaching children to leave dogs alone when eating, sleeping, or if sick or injured.

Aggression in dogs should be discouraged.  

If you feel you can no longer properly care for your dog, you should discuss your options with an animal welfare organization or find an appropriate new home for it. Abandonment or dumping of dogs can lead to suffering, injury and starvation of the animal.

See  Obedience Training, Behavioral Issues, Unacceptable Behavior