[This article is the third in a 3-part series about changing dog
behavior using positive dog training methods.]
Be a leader, a dog will follow.
KING AND QUEENIE: RECAP
From the first 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, snapping, posturing, and even biting. I
introduced 3 simple dog training steps to help you begin to take
the leadership role back from King.
Then, from article 2, there was Queenie and her family.
Especially Mom gently took the leadership position. Queenie
learned dog manners and wonderful dog behavior through Mom's
gentle but firm positive dog training methods and her consistency
in teaching Queenie house rules.
Queenie was eager to learn and to please and received lots of
praise and tons of treats. With humans as pack leaders and dogs
as pack members (preferably at the bottom of the hierarchy!), the
whole household is calm and happy.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR HOUSEHOLD?
Let's talk about your household. Your "angel" might not be as
dominant or aggressive as King, and you may have worked with her
some but not quite enough to have a dog similar to Queenie.
Time is sometimes a factor with our lives as busy as they are,
sometimes it's difficult to make time to for even short periods
of dog training. But if you'll give it a little effort, the
payoff will be tremendous.
I want to give you a few more new recommendations for regaining
leadership in your pack. But first, I want to review some of the
ones found in the first two articles. For the complete list, go
to http://www.best-dog-articles.com.
SOME REVIEW STEPS
* Get their attention first say Fido's name before you say the
command.
* Be kind Use a gentle voice, give commands and direction
calmly and lovingly.
* Let's play YOU start and end all games. Keep them wanting
more.
* Let's EAT YOU eat before feeding the dog.
* Praise, praise, praise Pour on the praise for good dog
behavior and good manners.
NEW STEPS
1. Are you sick?!
One of the first concerns with new or unwanted behaviors (e.g.,
excessive urination) is a health concern. Get a vet check to
address any health concerns that might cause behaviors your dog
has no control over.
2. Down every day!
Put your dog in a "down" position for 5-10 minutes every day.
This reinforces for your dog that you are the leader. Beginning
this program may involve many jump-ups. Just gently and firmly
put the dog back down. (No need to restart time.) You will notice
that the breaks of command quickly fall away. It's fine for your
dog to sleep through this one!
3. Do that AGAIN!
Dogs love routine. They have incredible internal clocks. One
activity that dogs love and that routine is important is
mealtime. I suggest feeding dogs two times a day (no running
buffet) within an hour window each time (e.g., 7-8AM and 5-6PM).
Watch your dog -- if you do something regularly, they come to
expect it and act appropriately. Other activities that can become
routine are morning or evening walks, Saturday errands, the time
you come home from work. If it's a regular thing, your dog knows
it's going to happen.
4. Brush, brush, brush the coat!
One activity you both can enjoy is grooming. Daily gentle
grooming reinforces a loving relationship with your dog. This can
become prized private time for both of you.
5. Through the paces
. Every day!
Obedience training is very important to do every day, even for 5
minutes at a time. Try to avoid the military commando approach.
Be consistent and kind, get your dog's attention first, praise,
praise, praise for his willingness and compliance to your
commands. Practicing obedience reinforces that you are the
leader.
CONCLUSION
That's it! You now have the arsenal for regaining the leadership
position in your pack and getting some good dog behavior
practices in place. Emphasizing the positive in your dog training
efforts pays off exponentially your dog will be your friend for
life and won't be scared of you.
When you establish yourself as leader, dogs respect you and will
work so hard to please you. Take the time to get these easy steps
into your daily routine and watch the changes magically occur.
Wishing you a calm and happy adventure with your canine
companions.
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