What "manners" should a dog have?

I think the "manners" in the AKC CGC test are a great start.

http://images.akc.org/pdf/cgc/GK9GC1.pdf

Added: Try your local AKC training club for a good Basic Obedience class.

http://www.akc.org/events/trainingclubs.cfm

click on the link that says "clubs that offer training classes" & follow through to find a training club near you.

There are things that are generally accepted as 'good manners' for all dogs, like not going to the bathroom in the house, not chewing furniture or shoes, not biting people, not barking all day long, allowing handling (like allowing the vet to check his ears or groomer to clip his nails), etc.

Then, there are 'good manners' that only seem to apply to large dogs, like not jumping up on people, not getting on furniture unless invited, not knocking people over (especially kids), being gentle when taking treats, obeying 'hush' (or a similar command to stop barking), etc.

Then there are 'good manners' that some owners expect, but not others, like sitting on command, waiting to eat, staying, coming when called, sitting to meet new people (or standing nicely. Some people require laying to meet children), greeting other dogs nicely (or ignoring other dogs if your dog is dog-aggressive), obeying 'drop it' or 'leave it', walking nicely on a leash, heeling (a more formal form of walking), getting off furniture or people when told, bring objects when instructed, etc.

Then there are 'good manners' that are really more tricks, like 'shaking', rolling over, crawling, playing dead, 'speaking', etc.

Really, how trained your dog is depends on you and your dog. For example, I have a pit bull. Because of their reputation, I'm working hard to get my dog to pass the Canine Good Citizen test, which is basically a test that says your dog is well-trained and performs certain tasks expected of a nice dog -- things like greeting strangers nicely and not pulling on a leash. I'm also working to reinforce certain manners that will make him less scary to strangers, like sitting to meet a new person and hushing when told (even happy barking from a muscular dog is scary to some people).

I'd recommend getting your dog in obedience classes to teach you how to train a dog (teaching a behavior like 'hush' is much harder than teaching a behavior like 'sit'). Also, puppy classes are GREAT socializing -- and you know that, assuming you are seeing a reputable trainer, every dog is up-to-date on shots. The same can't be said for a dog park.

Well there would be a long list...

but among them would be

Not charging under your feet and knocking you over.

Sitting nicely to have lead put on.

Not charging up to other dogs when out. A dog should only go to another dog when you say so

Not begging humans for food when eating.

Not jumping up on people.

Too many to mention.

Not to bite, jump on people. Bark incessentantly. Not to Potty inside the house. Beg for food when you eat. Pull on the leash. Not to Attack other dogs. Not to "Bowl" you over when you open the doors. Not to try & bite you if you get near its food or possessions.

- Not jump on people

- Sit & Stay when told to

- Not be excessively barky

- Walk nicely on a leash (with other dogs around)