[This article is the second in a 3-part series about changing
dog behavior using positive dog training methods.]
Be a leader, a dog will follow.
RECALL KING'S FAMILY
From the last article, remember King and his dominant dog
behavior? King was the leader of his pack – Mom, Dad, 2 kids.
King set the rules in the house and didn't hesitate to enforce
them, with growling, posturing, biting and other scary dog
behaviors.
In that article, I introduced 3 simple dog training steps to help
you begin to take the leadership role back from your dominant and
furry leader-of-the-pack (found at
http://www.best-dog-articles.com )
QUEENIE'S FAMILY
Let's look at another family, where Mom is the leader and Queenie
is at the bottom of the pack hierarchy (where dogs should be) and
her obedient dog behavior was praised and applauded by the whole
family.
One day, Billy brought a dog home. The family decided to take her
in and make her part of the family. They named her Queenie.
Queenie was a terrier mix, feisty and pushy, with an inquisitive
mind.
Mom Jackie quickly began helping Queenie fit in with the family
with positive dog training techniques. She taught Queenie where
her sleeping places/beds were, how to make requests with a polite
sit, how to communicate in a positive way, how good manners
result in good things.
Jackie patiently reinforced each good dog behavior until Queenie
got it, and then she would review and reward to keep the good
behaviors in place. Queenie quickly became a wonderful member of
the family.
Yes, she pushed and sought out trouble wherever she could, but
Jackie was there to help redirect her and teach her new ways of
using her curiosity in fun games and activities with her family.
There was no concern about biting or bad dog behavior.
Queenie and the rest of her pack were calm and happy.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REGAIN LEADERSHIP
If you want your household to be more like Queenie's, here are a
few more simple dog training suggestions to help you take back
your leadership position and create an orderly and calm
household. (Review article #1 for the first set of suggestions).
1. First, get their attention!
Begin all communication with your dog's name first. "Blah, blah,
blah Benji" gets their attention at Benji. "Benji! Come!" sets
Benji up for success.
2. Leader first!
You, the leader, always go first through doorways, gateways, car
doors, etc. The leader goes first and the dog follows. Praise,
praise, praise for honoring the leader.
3. Be kind!
This is so, so important. Use a gentle voice for most things.
When you need to use a more stern approach, that's fine. Just
remember, your dog is looking to you for direction and guidance.
Give it calmly and lovingly and you will see the difference. Your
dog will love you and want to be with you and please you.
4. Let's play! – on MY terms.
Games and toys are great fun for dogs – and you. Begin and end
games as a leader does. YOU are in control, not Skipper. End the
game before he gets bored and leaves. Keep him wanting more.
5. Let's EAT!
Being a leader means eating first at mealtime. If you typically
eat at about the same time your dog eats, you eat first and then
feed your dog. (This suggestions points to another strong
recommendation – no running buffet!)
CONCLUSION
Don't let Fifi run your household. No matter how large or small
the dog, or how cute and cuddly, if you do not step into the
leadership role, your dog will. Take leadership of your pack back
and begin to change that bad dog behavior.
You CAN have Queenie in your household. Just start putting these
dog training suggestions in place and you'll notice the
difference right away.
Be the leader--your dog will love you for it and work hard to
please you!
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