Training (Motivation)

Okay so I have called into question someones ability to train a dog, I figure I should back it up with some facts, so as not to appear pedantic.

First thing is first. Training requires time, patience, consistency and observation.
Any trainer will tell you about the first 3. It is unreasonable to think that a dog will immediately learn to speak your complicated foreign language, particularly if you keep changing the message. Most people fundamentally understand this, however implementing it is a little more difficult. They may watch shows like The Dog Whisperer, or It's Me or the Dog; and they get to see these misbehaving dogs make remarkable progress in just 30 short minutes.  They may even think that they themselves can and should apply these lessons and training techniques in their own house.  Although not necessarily a bad idea, or that I have any problems with Victoria's or Caesar's techniques, but there is always a key part of the show that people do not understand.  Ceasar and Victoria are good observers of dog behavior. The training techniques they apply are for specific dogs with specific needs in a specific circumstance.
Secondly, forget the idea that there is one training technique that is suitable for all dogs. I have seen and experienced the degree of variability in training dogs from Cocker Spaniels, to German Shepherds, and Shiba Inu's. Now I am adding Newfoundlands to the list.
Every dog has different needs, desires, motivators and demotivators; accordingly training regimens will vary in effectiveness by dog based upon the dog and implementation.

So my general Owner Guidelines before, during, and after training a dog:
1). Find out what your dog likes and dislikes.
2). Study Pack Psychology - As one example. A dog who licks your chin is exhibiting submission, a dog who sniffs your ear is exhibiting dominance.
3). Make an attempt to understand dog language (body and barks)
These are essential to get the most out of your training.

Implementation of the guidelines.
1). The more information about what your dog likes or dislikes the more ways you will have to motivate your dog to be obedient. Food treats are a common place reward for good behavior when training a dog. But what do you do if your dog is not particularly treat motivated? Does your dog love to play? Then try using a toy and play as reward for obedience. What if your dog isn't particularly interested in play, food or even affection? Yes, these dogs do exist. My Shiba "Roxanne " was one of these dogs.  Shiba Inu's are commonly described as independent and aloof.  They are the very embodiment of a cat in a dogs body and they may very well be as hard to train as cats. But it is not impossible.
There is a huge debate between positive and negative reinforcement in the dog training community.  I personally think that both sides have merits and application. But there are also limitations of both as well.  I think that negative reinforcement is essential for communicating disobedient or aggressive / dominant behavior, however it must never be used in anger or in force which could damage the dogs body or mind. Negative reinforcement can range from a small bump to cause a dog to move away from an undesired area, or a bark, a spray of water, or stern look. But this requires a necessary knowledge of a dogs body and sensitive areas, to prevent any accidental damage. Bumping the rear quarters of a dog can hurt it's hips and a nerve point centered above the tail, however the rib cage is a large area which is tough and void of major nerve centers.

Positive reinforcement is a wonderful tool to encourage wanted behavior and absolutely should be implemented in any training regimen.  However, if simply using treats, treating a dog out of affection as well may cause a dog to expect treats with or without any obedience. 

This is why I think it is necessary to gain as much knowledge about a dogs motivators as possible.