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FREE Dog Training Tips: Easy Steps to Leading the Pack
[This article is the first in a 3-part series about changing dog
behavior using positive dog training methods.]
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.
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.
The Franks are a real 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 was a big job--keeping track of the
pack, teaching them the rules (which King made up), and
enforcing the rules was 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.
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.
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.
Get started using these 3 tips and check back in a few weeks for
the next set of easy dog training steps for outstanding dog
behavior!
About the author:
O'Neal Hendrix is a premier professional dog trainer in Atlanta,
GA. Considered a miracle worker by many clients, she has years
of experience helping people successfully create loving and
respectful relationships with their dogs. Check out her dog">www.dog-supplies-dog-accessories.com">dog blog for her
advice and opinions about everything dog!
O'Neal Hendrix
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