Here is a list of phrases I catch myself saying often enough that I thought they were worth memorializing. Most of them are geared towards teaching dog owners to exercise patience when training their dogs. If you have any to add to the list, I would love to hear them.

• Your dog is not a furry, four-legged robot. He has a mind of his own, a unique personality, and preferences. We can't program him like a computer, but we can certainly train him.
• There is not a switch to flip that will make this particular behavior problem go away -- even though popular dog training shows make it look that way. They only have thirty minutes to show you the problem, the solution and the results -- but not all the work that went into implementing the solution.
• If your dog did not get that way overnight, he probably won't stop acting that way overnight.
• If you don't do your homework, your dog will tell on you -- every single time. As your trainer, I won't scold you. It just may take additional sessions and more money to achieve your goals.
• Some trainers say that if you don't have time to train your dog, you should not have a dog. I say, if you don't have time to train your dog, you need to make time. It will add enjoyment to both of your lives.
• Sure, re-homing your dog is an option. Then somebody else can clean up the mess.
• Yes, the shelter will take your dog back. Sure, they will try to find him another home. If your dog is lucky, they will succeed. If not ... well, sometimes tough decisions have to be made.
• So, you want your dog to bite you when you play, but not bite your kids when they play with him? Let's talk about that.