This Article was Published in the Orlando Sentinel.
By: Dr. Wes Borgman
Many behavior problems in dogs develop when the dog does not have a
pack leader. Many dog owners pamper their dogs with treats, beds, toys, and
even cloths but you can't buy happiness for dogs, they need a pack
leader to be happy. If you are the pack leader and spend time
exercising and feeding your dog as a pack leader you and your dog will
be happier.
The dog is a highly intelligent animal and a capable learner. But at
the core, the dog is a pack animal. A pack animal assumes it is the
boss until proved otherwise. At birth, the mother assumes the
leadership position and keeps her young in line. As the puppies begin
to assert their independence, she will remind them of their place
through low growls, a swat of the paw, or an occasional firm
but gentle shake of the neck. Little else is necessary. She
disciplines her young swiftly, fairly, consistently and unemotionally
and they respect her position as leader. By assuming the position of
fair and consistent pack leader, your dog will defer leadership to
you.
So how do you become the pack leader? Consistency is vital. Your dog
will only follow your lead if you are a calm authority figure. You
should never discipline your pet in anger. Good leaders remain calm
and consistent. Should your dog misbehave, respond accordingly and
appropriately. Brute force is not required and is counterproductive.
When a dog is testing your authority, correct it in a manner a dog
will understand such as a firm vocal reprimand, a stern look, or a
short jerk on the collar.
The best way to work off some energy and establish yourself as leader
is to take you dog for a daily walk or run. Most dogs love to go on a
walk but there is a right way and wrong way to walk your dog. If your
dog pulls you along on a walk or stops to sniff everything your dog is
walking you and you are not being a good leader.
Before you even head out you need to set down the rules. A dog that is
excited before he leaves the house will only get more excited once you
get outside. Use tone of voice to communicate. A higher than normal
pitch is exciting and playful and perfect for praise but will not calm
an excited dog. A normal tone - direct and confident – is your command
tone. Use a normal command tone to calm your dog before you go out.
Have your dog 'sit' or 'down' before you put on the lead. If they
won't stay sitting for you to put on the leash put the leash away and
work on sit and stay for a few sessions.
Most dogs learn very quickly that they must sit while the leash is
being attached to the collar. They usually tremble with excitement
ready to explode into a frenzy as soon as this phase is accomplished.
If your dog bolts toward the door, simply hold onto the leash, stand
still and let your dog bounce around at the end of the leash. It may
take 5 minutes or more, but he will soon realize that you are not
going anywhere and will begin to calm down. Praise your dog when calm
but wait another minute or so before you take your first step. Walk
your dog around your house to give him a chance to practice his
'not-pulling' skills. Every time he pulls, lunges or strains on the
leash simply stand still again. When he calms down, talk to him,
praise her calmly and quietly. When you feel that your dog is in
control and he is walking nicely without pulling in your house it is
time to precede to the door.
When you get to the door calm your dog and have him sit before you
go out. The leader always gets to go through the door first. If
your dog bolts out first bring them back in and try again.
Every time your dog pulls on leash you must regain the leadership by
stopping the walk, stand still and wait for her to calm down before
continuing. Any time your dog drifts away to sniff something redirect
your dog's attention to you by making her to sit and stay for 10 seconds.
You may not get far on your first outing but you should be able go
longer with each walk.
At dinnertime, you and your family should eat in your dog's presence
before setting out the dog food. Among dogs, the most important dogs
always eat first. Pack leaders NEVER share their food with other
dogs. If you follow all of the steps above and then give your dog
table scraps and bites of your sandwich you are sending mixed signals
to your dog.
If you do these things consistently, you can elevate yourself in your
dog's eyes, which can make all the difference in training and
behavior. Just like in raising human children, it is important to act
like the parent, not just the friend. By using these walking and
eating techniques, you can develop a healthy, happy relationship as
the adoptive parent of your pet.
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Dr. Wes Borgman is the veterinarian and owner of the Seminole Animal
Hospital in Sanford. He can be reached at 407-330-7387.