Positive Energy:
Dogs feel your energy, no matter if you are scared, frustrated, happy, or calm. They will pick up on it and match it too. If you stay calm and stern with your dog, he will respect you. Stern does not mean aggressive or angry, it means assertive while staying in control. This is the energy your dog needs to feel safe.
Challenge your Dog mentally:
We all need a purpose in life and so do our dogs before they get bored. Play ball or catch with him, go to obedience training, the dog park, throw the frisby, practice basic commands with lots of rewards. There is no limit to the fun!
Work:
Most dogs were bred to fullfill a job such as retrieving, hunting, or herding. For such breeds a daily walk might not be enough and they need extra challenges.
Walks:
The most important thing to have a balanced dog is the daily walk. A big backyard is not a substitute! Your nice landscaped garden or even a few acres are just a large cage to your dog. Please do not deny him his most primal instinct..to walk and work for food. This is his purpose.