[This article is the first in a 3-part series about changingdog behavior using positive dog training methods.]
Be a leader, a dog will follow.
Hum, what does that mean?! Simply put, if you lead thepack, your dog will follow you to the ends of the earth.Some basic and easy adjustments in your dog training routinecan result in huge changes in dog behavior. The simple truthis...dog behavior is a result of human behavior. That is,your dog reacts to you. If you take the time to teach yourdog appropriate behavior, and you are consistent inreinforcing it, your dog will work so hard to please you.One key to changing and reinforcing new dog behavior isusing positive dog training methods. This article introducessome basics in beginning to get some respect from your dog.
Dogs are pack animals, and they want a leader to tell themwhat to do and what dog behavior is appropriate. If youdon’t step up as leader, your dog, no matter how big orsmall or cute and fluffy, will take over as leader (not justof other dogs, but of you, your spouse, your kids, the cats,and anything else that moves and breathes). This is not theideal situation, as you can see from the following example.
The Franks are a real family where the dog runs the house.King didn’t want the role of leader, but no human stepped upas leader so he felt he had to. His "pack" consisted of dad,mom, and two kids. Being leader was a big job--keeping trackof the pack, teaching them the rules (which King made up),and enforcing the rules was a 24-hour job. He successfullytaught the family to stay away from his food and toys(growling and snapping when they got too close), not todisturb him if he was napping in main traffic areas like themiddle of the kitchen floor, that certain pieces offurniture were his and his alone, and that he decided whogot to come into the house. The young boy became a playmatewhom he could nip and jump on; the older child and theparents were there to care for him. Any infractions of these"rules" were quickly and severely disciplined by King withgrowling, biting, snapping, baring teeth.
If King’s household is like what you experience in yourfamily, we’ve got some gentle and positive dog training tipsto help you take back your leadership role.
Put these simple steps into your dog’s daily life and watchthe dog behavior changes. Each of these steps shows your dogthat YOU are the leader. Let’s start simple, with 3 verybasic and easy (for you) new dog training ideas. Once you’vemastered these, in the next article, I’ll introduce severalmore.
1. Show me your tummy!
Make it a positive experience for your dog to roll over forthat yummy tummy rub. This submissive posture indicates adeferment to your leadership.
2. Praise, praise praise!
Praise for being a good dog. Any dog behavior you like andwant to keep, praise it and give a small treat occasionally.This focus on what you want is much more successful than afocus on what you don’t want. No free treats or praise forthe dominant dog. If your dog wants to be petted, have himsit first! Everyone wins and the dog is learning manners atthe same time.
3. Get out of the way!
A leader gets respect. For Scout, that means no lying inhigh traffic areas (hallways, middle of living room orkitchen), no sitting on your feet, and no refusing to moveout of the way. Gently scoot your feet in the direction youwant to go while using excited tones and waving your handsto get him up and moving.
For a dog, trying to live with everyone "just getting along"does not work. Dogs live in packs with hierarchies, notdemocracies. Remember, no human leadership means Fifi willtake over and set the rules. It’s time for you to step intothe leader position. If you do, you will notice positivechanges in your dog’s behavior right away. You and your dogwill begin working as a team.
Be the leader--your dog will love you for it and you’ll besurprised how hard he’ll work to please you.
Get started using these 3 tips and check back in a few weeksfor the next set of easy dog training steps for outstandingdog behavior!
O’Neal Hendrix is a premier professional dog trainer in Atlanta, GA. For many years, she has "worked miracles" with dogs and their owners. Check out her dog training blog for her advice about everything dog!