Communication is drastically important! All dog have the ability to communicate with humans....sometimes not properly. They are born with this instinct and this is what sets them apart from a wolf. Dog need consistent and clear communication.
Breed Utilization
Utilize your dog's breed. If you have a retriever, do retrieval. If you have a hound dog, do tracking and sent work. If your shepherd or working dog make sure you have a job for them to do. Lap dogs need to be loved and be on your lap. Specific breeds of dogs have specific innate behavior. If you do not utilize your dogs natural behavior, you might see it come out at times you do not want. Labs that do not do retrieval will often be very destructive and will take things without permission. Lap dog that don't get the attention, often will act spiteful and disobedient.