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Posted by Miss Linda
on August 25, 2009, 11:03 pm
209.169.114.192
Being Your Dog's Leader and Best Friend
We all love our dogs. They give us companionship and loyalty that few humans can, but what do we do for them? Many things we do for our dogs and behaviors we practice with them are not what they want. In fact, many of these behaviors cause our pets to be confused and anxious. Dogs need and want boundaries and to know their human in in charge. It is stressful for a dog to be "in charge" and creates a household of turmoil and anxiety for both the owners and the dog if the dog is controlling the house. (I see you grinning...)
Dogs need a strong "pack leader" and if you own a dog YOU should be their leader. They want you to be that leader. "How and when do I do this?", you ask. You do it all day, every day and you do it using your dog's language. Six weeks of good training with a trainer is to no avail if you do not continue to practice what you and your dog have learned in addition to daily basic human alpha behavior.
Dogs do not understand the human language. You can teach them to recognize basic commands, but it is much easier to speak theirs. No, you don't have to go around barking or whining at them... Dogs communicate with each other through body language and tone of voice. We should do the same.
If we speak to them slumped over and in a high voice they perceive us as being submissive and possibly excited. If we tell them to sit, or any other command for that matter, in a "sweet" or high voice they are more unlikely to obey than if we use an authoritative, lower voice.
Small things are big things when establishing that you are in charge of the dog. "Space" is the biggest issue. If your dog respects your "space" then many undesirable behaviors will cease (jumping, running out ahead of you...). Two things you will need to use for "alpha" training: 1) Your body 2) Your voice When you are with your dog stand straight and tall, shoulders back. He notices this, it is his language 
You are the boss, and he can not wait for you to tell him what to do. If you need to, use your voice and body to reprimand your dog or prevent behavior you see coming on, use a short, low sound (yep,your growl). I use "aaak" (you would have to hear it I guess), Ceasar Milan (The Dog Whisperer) uses "ssst", Barkbusters teaches "bac"...or come up with your own.
Going in and out of doors and gates:
You go first! When approaching the door/gate if your dog rushes in front of you use your "growl" and move the dog away from the door/gate by stepping between him and the door/gate. Repeat your "growl" and hold your palm up in front of him to "claim your space" as you walk a step towards him. Your dog should respect your space by moving back. If he doesn't move back or just moves back and comes back forward repeat the procedure until he moves back and stays there. (Ultimate submission is him sitting down.) Hold your hand up to keep him in that position while you open the door/gate. If he moves forward before you tell him repeat your growl and move him back as before. Do not open the door/gate until your dog stays in place waiting to be given permission. Do this with every gate/door you go through with your pet to establish you control the space and you will keep him safe as well. In fact, in a day or two you should be able to just look at your dog sternly upon approaching a door/gate and hold your hand up and they will wait. Isn't that better than fighting to see who gets through first?! All this with just a hand, growl and look!
Now that you have the basics down, you can take control of your dog! Lets try using the technique in some other situations...
Jumping:
Your dog gets so excited to see you or visitors that they jump all over you/them...serious infringement on you and your guests "space".
FORESEE the behavior! Stopping it before they are on you in the key. When your dog comes toward you with that, "I am going to jump all over you grin" stand up straight and do your growl as sternly and loudly as you can as you hold your hand up to claim your space before he invades it. Some dogs get so excited they may be oblivious to your communication the first few times, so you may have to turn your back to them for them to settle down some and then repeat the procedure when you turn to face them. When doing this if you have to, take a step towards them. As with the gate/door, they should give you your space and back up. Again, if they sit, that is great submission. Tell them they are wonderful, but in a calm low voice so as not to elicit more excitement.
OK, we are rolling now...how else can we use this, claim our space and be our dog's best friend and leader?
Feeding:
How about feeding time? An excellent time to reinforce your new dominant role with your dog...Make your dog wait quietly for their food as you prepare it. Don't let him rush the counter or feeding area. Use your posture, growl and hand. He should be sitting by now if you step towards him as you do this. Claim the space you are going to set the bowl down on by making him move away from it and stay away from it until you set the bowl down. DO NOT let him just rush the bowl! Use your upheld hand to make him stay where he is until you tell him OK, then he can eat. As a pack leader in the wild provides/finds food for his pack you have just done the same.
There are so many daily situations we can use to reinforce our "alpha status" with our dog. I couldn't possibly mention all of them in this article, but I will mention a couple more for your practice with your new best friend (and YOU his!).
1. The dog moves out of YOUR way, not you move out of his way. This means going down hallways, through bedroom doors, or any other place in the house.
2. The dog does not chase or hassle other pack members, be them cats, children or guests. (Stand between them just like at the door/gate, use your growl and raised hand to "claim" your other pack members and guests. Do not give in to the dog and just drag him off in the other room. Expect him to submit and be patient until he does. He will submit faster the next time if you do it like you mean it the first time!
Thanks so much for reading our article this month! Now, go and be the leader your dog is wanting. I promise your dog will love you for it!
Smooches to the pooches!
"Miss Linda"
Almost Home Pet Retreat
& doggie daycare
www.almosthomepetretreat.com
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