First off - Never Never hit your pet.

                                                    A firm "NO" will do 
                          and then when they do good- Praise them.

1. You can use a lease snap (attached to their collar, jerk it & say NO

2.You can also use a can of pennies (10)- don't ask me why
   but I was told 10 & it does work. I tried fewer & more & 10 is Magic
  DO NOT hit them with it. Just throw it near them or shake it.
  After a few times you will only have to pick it up & they shirk.

3. A squirt bottle with water sometimes works. 
    I had one dog that liked it. Figures he would- liked to chase water.

                            Specific Problems.

1. Chewing and nipping at humans:
 Clamp your fingers around their muzzle and say "No". Take them
     to another spot, over a chew toy & then Praise them 
     when they accept it.

2. Jumping up on people:
     Keep a leash on - when they jump- snap it back &
     down to the rear.

3.Gnawing wood or fabrics: 
     Apply a bad tasting aid ( such as bitter apple, paste of
     alum and water, cayenne or Tabasco sauce. Use a can
     of pennies or a squirt bottle.

4.Excessive barking:
     Use a squirt bottle (garden hose if outside) or
      can of pennies. Do not allow him in the house until he
      has stopped.

5. Yard digging:
     A can of pennies thrown beside them works wonders.

6. Accidents:
     Adult dogs urinate at least 3 - 4 times a day and
     defecate 2 - 3 times. Dogs need to be allowed to eliminate
     first thing in the morning, before bed and after each meal.
     They usually defecate within 1/2 hour after eating. 
     If Fido starts sniffing the ground, going around in circles, 
     he starts sniffing a target- put them out.
     You may have to crate a puppy (they normally do not go in
     their den) but Do Not leave them in there for hours on end.
     Crates were not meant to be an all day thing. It could lead 
     to serious bladder problems if they are crated all day every
     day.

     To clean an accident- white vinegar is a good source as it
     eliminates the order from you & them.

7. Home Alone Anxiety:
    A dog is a pack animal- in as they get attached to their host as the
    leader. When you leave them for long periods of time, they may 
    chew furniture, scratch at doors, chew things & have accidents.
    These are usually called separation anxiety. To correct this- you
    need to with gates or something, confine the dog to a room with 
    no rug & no furniture to destroy.  I used one room in which I kept
    OPEN crates (you can use a dog bed) and toys, a water bowl and
    a couple newspapers on the floor.  With 4 dogs in there I only had
    to occasionally pick up the paper & throw it out. 
    Remember- your dog loves you & wants to be with you at all times.
    Deter Chewing: 
           1.  Fill a bowl with water (add broth) and freeze. They will spend 
                time licking it & love ice.
           2.  Get 20 toys & cycle 5 every 3 days- then hide them so he can
                spend time finding them.
           3.   Fill a hollow bone or a Kong toy with cheese or peanut butter.
           4.   Get a second animal to keep them company.
           5.   Ignore the pet for 10 minutes before you leave.

8. Scooting:
     If your dog scoots around on its hind quarters, it does not
     necessarily mean it has worms. It will most likely be from an anal
     impaction. You need to have your vet relieve the condition unless
     you are familiar on how to do it yourself.

9. Pica (Eating inedible objects)
    This could be a dietary deficiency.  But not always the case.
    Rocks, Wood Feces, Cat litter feces.  
    Usually the reason is boredom. But it can also be very dangerous.
    Rocks can block the intestines and wood can sliver & do damage to 
    organs.  First check with your vet. He can check over the pet & may 
    be able to give you a reason.   Next you may try obedience training.
    Or a behaviorist.