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Leadership –
Foremost, your role as the leader should be clearly defined to your dog.
In other words, to achieve a consistent comfort level, your dog must look to
you as the leader of the pack. The pack mentality exists in all canines, and
when our pups are given clear guidelines to what their roles are ( i.e.
subordinate pack members) behavioral issues are greatly diminished…..and
training desirable behaviors suddenly becomes a much more achievable goal.
Communication -
Obedience Training, more than anything else, opens the lines of
communication up between you and your dog. When dogs have control of
commands such as sit, down, and place they have approved behaviors to rely
on, and you have desired behaviors to redirect inappropriate behaviors to.
It also reinforces your role as a leader in your dogs life, and allows your
dog to settle into a more relaxed subordinate role. A role that they are
extremely comfortable assuming, and one that enhances your relationship with
your dog. Almost as important is the fact that you will learn to understand
the behaviors your dog is offering to you, giving you insight and
understanding in why your pup does what he does.
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Dominance -
Dominance is a trait in dogs that will present itself when given the
opportunity. Dominance doesn’t necessarily result in biting, barking, or
aggressive behavior. Dominance can show itself in several forms, such as
house soiling (marking territory), resource guarding, or even pulling on
leash. These are all behaviors that can be curbed by exercising your
leadership in your pack.
If your dog exhibits control or behavior problems, you should examine
your relationship with your dog and consider opening new lines of
communication. Remember that all of this should be done without physical
confrontation, punishment of unapproved behaviors is much less effective
than re-routing the behavior to an approved one and reinforcing it with
praise and rewards.
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Exercise –
Canines are, by nature, a social animal that travels in a pack to find its food,
water, and shelter. I cannot emphasize the importance of exercise in a dogs life
enough. Dogs eventually become desensitized to areas they are exposed to again
and again (i.e. the backyard) with the same surroundings, sounds, and scents.
Walking your dog regularly will not only help emphasize your role as leader, but
will help socialize your dog as well as give a constructive outlet for their
energy instead of destructive behavior.
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Interested in learning more?
Please contact Tailwaggers Country Inn at 1-877-774-3647.
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