I won't say I'm a successful dog trainer but I've had them all my life and have done a few things right and many things wrong, both of which I've learned from.
I think the most important thing, not just for canoes but for training in general, is that if there's something you don't want the dog to do then don't let them do it....EVER!
If you don't want a full size dog on the couch, in the chair, in the bed, in the front seat of the car, ahead of or behind a certain thwart in the canoe, barking incessantly, begging for people food, expecting treats, etc. then don't let them do it when they're young thinking you'll be able to make them stop later. You probably can but it will be very difficult.
This is a hard thing to do as an owner, especially with a puppy. They're so dang cute and cuddly you just want them right by you all the time. And since they're so small (and cute!) it's really not that big of an issue. The dog quickly learns this routine and will not understand what's going on if you suddenly decide to change the rules. They'll whine and cry and make you feel like a horrible person until you relent and just give up. Unless you can stick it out long enough to change the routine.
Dogs are smart. They learn how to game the system real fast and they know what they can get away with and what they can't. If you don't establish the rules and routines they will. You've got to watch them closely and don't let anything turn habitual unless you want it to be. What seems cute and harmless (like repeatedly nudging your arm to be petted or putting their feet up on your stomach to be petted) can be annoying and embarrassing when trying to accomplish a task or when company comes for a visit.
Learn to understand how your dog learns. I've had dogs that just couldn't get things sunk into their head (like don't get in the garbage) unless I really got on their arse about it. Even though simply using a loud and stern voice while pointing out the error of their ways would get them to tuck tail and look sorry they'd continue to do the same thing until hard swats on the butt and real anger put the fear of God into them.
My current dog, on the other hand, does not respond to anger whatsoever other than to get completely panicked and cower by my leg for protection. She only wants to please me and it takes positive reinforcement to teach her something (which gets the job done quite readily). That's not to say a stern voice and maybe a light swat isn't called for at times but I have to always remember that I can't loose my temper at her because once that happens she quits learning and just gets panicky.
The more time you spend with your dog the better partners you'll be.They'll learn to trust you, will be more likely to do what you ask, and many times know what you want before you say it. Go for walks, paddles, bikes rides, car rides, anything. They'll pick up on gestures and phrases and it might take you months or years to figure what they've picked up from you on their own. Talk to them and use consistent commands or phrases that you'd like them to learn. I want my dog to listen to anyone who might be with me or taking care of them so she knows common phrases: Get in, get out, get down, go away, let's go, shutup. You can have fun with it too and teach them slang phrases to impress your friends. It doesn't take long. My last dog knew "let's roll out" and "slap me some skin"
I'm far from a great dog trainer and am really not all that strict but I am consistent and that, I feel, is the most important thing.
Enjoy the pooch!
Alan
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