BE A LEADER, A DOG WILL FOLLOW.
Hum, what does that mean?! Simply put, if you lead the pack,
your dog will follow you to the ends of the earth. Some basic and
easy adjustments in your dog training routine can result in huge
changes in dog behavior.
The simple truth is... dog behavior is a result of human
behavior. That is, your dog reacts to you. If you take the time
to teach your dog appropriate behavior, and you are consistent in
reinforcing it, your dog will work so hard to please you.
One key to changing and reinforcing new dog behavior is using
positive dog training methods. This article introduces some
basics in beginning to get some respect from your dog.
LEADER OF WHAT PACK?
Dogs are pack animals, and they want a leader to tell them what
to do and what dog behavior is appropriate. If you don't step up
as leader, your dog, no matter how big or small or cute and
fluffy, will take over as leader (not just of other dogs, but of
you, your spouse, your kids, the cats, and anything else that
moves and breathes). This is not the ideal situation, as you can
see from the following example.
LEADER "KING" AND HIS FAMILY
The Franks are a family where the dog runs the house. King didn't
want the role of leader, but no human stepped up as leader so he
felt he had to. His "pack" consisted of dad, mom, and two kids.
Being leader is a big job--keeping track of the pack, teaching
them the rules (which King made up), and enforcing the rules is a
24-hour job. He successfully taught the family to stay away from
his food and toys (growling and snapping when they got too
close), not to disturb him if he was napping in main traffic
areas like the middle of the kitchen floor, that certain pieces
of furniture were his and his alone, and that he decided who got
to come into the house.
The young boy became a playmate whom he could nip and jump on;
the older child and the parents were there to care for him. Any
infractions of these "rules" were quickly and severely
disciplined by King with growling, biting, snapping, baring
teeth.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REGAIN LEADERSHIP
If King's household is like what you experience in your family,
we've got some gentle and positive dog training tips to help you
take back your leadership role.
Put these simple steps into your dog's daily life and watch the
dog behavior changes. Each of these steps shows your dog that YOU
are the leader. Let's start simple, with 3 very basic and easy
(for you) new dog training ideas. Once you've mastered these, in
the next article, I'll introduce several more.
1. Show me your tummy!
Make it a positive experience for your dog to roll over for that
yummy tummy rub. This submissive posture indicates a deferment to
your leadership.
2. Praise, praise praise!
Praise for being a good dog. Any dog behavior you like and want
to keep, praise it and give a small treat occasionally. This
focus on what you want is much more successful than a focus on
what you don't want. No free treats or praise for the dominant
dog. If your dog wants to be petted, have him sit first!
Everyone wins and the dog is learning manners at the same time.
3. Get out of the way!
A leader gets respect. For Scout, that means no lying in high
traffic areas (hallways, middle of living room or kitchen), no
sitting on your feet, and no refusing to move out of the way.
Gently scoot your feet in the direction you want to go while
using excited tones and waving your hands to get him up and
moving.
CONCLUSION
For a dog, trying to live with everyone "just getting along" does
not work. Dogs live in packs with hierarchies, not democracies.
Remember, no human leadership means Fifi will take over and set
the rules.
It's time for you to step into the leader position. If you do,
you will notice positive changes in your dog's behavior right
away. You and your dog will begin working as a team.
Be the leader--your dog will love you for it and you'll be
surprised how hard he'll work to please you.
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