Good communication builds good relationships
Just as between people, good relationships between dogs and their owners are based on good communication. Dogs communicate between themselves by means of body and vocal signals. It's only natural, then, that they'll use the same methods to communicate with people. Your responsibility as a pet owner is to learn to interpret these signals. Being able to read your pet will enable you to teach your puppy or dog the appropriate way of telling you what he or she needs for example sitting by the door to go outside avoids toileting accidents.
Good behaviour should be rewarded
Parents often don't remember to praise their children when they behave well, yet will never forget to tell them when they do not. We tend to do the same with our pets. We ignore them when they are quiet and well behaved and pay them attention only when they behave inappropriately. It's always best to do the reverse and praise - and reward - a desired behaviour, and ignore the unwanted.
Social skills aren't just for humans!
One of the most important lessons your puppy or dog should learn is that he or she must sit and be calm before interacting with you or any other human. You can easily teach a puppy or even a mature dog to sit. Dogs learn at any age, as long as lessons are repeated often enough and teaching sessions are short and fun.
Unwanted behaviour should be ignored
Dogs, just like humans, are social animals and need interaction with others, so withholding your attention is a very effective passive punishment. For example, if your dog jumps up at you, cross your arms, turn your head away and remain absolutely silent until they stop jumping. Don't try to push them away, look at or talk to them. They will interpret any of these actions on your part as attention, or even play. When they are finally seated and quiet, reward them with attention and praise.
If, in the past, you allowed your puppy or dog to gain your attention by barking or jumping up on you, you must realise that if you subsequently decide to ignore such behaviour, your pet will only try longer and harder to regain that attention. An analogy in human terms would be a person who presses the button of a lift whose doors do not open. He or she will press the button repeatedly, before giving up and walking down the stairs. For success - to fully change your dog's behaviour - you must ignore, and outlast, all their efforts, remembering to always be consistent.
...Or interrupted
Dogs do react to eye contact. Call your puppy or dog by his/her name. As soon as they look at you, you should give them a special treat. Repeating this simple exercise at any time will teach your pet that it is worthwhile to pay attention to you. In fact, calling your pet's name is an effective way of interrupting, and thus eliminating, unwanted behaviour. Making an unusual sound is another way of interrupting. Once your dog is paying attention to you, you can ask them to come or sit.