Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner off the counter are all signs that your dog doesn't respect your rules. In other words, you are not the Alpha Dog.
If you ever want to have a peaceful and happy relationship with your dog, you need to learn how to become top dog.
It's not just a silly phrase. Dogs have a heirarchial ranking system. In simple reality, the only two ranks you need to know of are top dog , and not top dog.... The Ruler, and the Rule Follower. Naturally you don't want to be caught in the trap of being subject to your dog.
You want your dog to respect you and obey you. Don't confuse the two. A dog may obey you out of fear, but not respect you. That is a dangerous situation to be in. Have you ever seen the movie Iron Will? If not, watch it. It gives some great insight.
There's a dog sled driver who beats his dogs into submission and treats them terribly. They respond to his beatings and he has a winning team, but at the first sign of weakness, they turn on him and... well it wasn't pretty.
Of course that's a dramatization and worse case scenario. Frankly, I think anyone who beats dogs has it coming. It's just not necessary to rule with an iron fist.
Most dogs are receptive to attitudes that are as basic and primal as fighting, but are much less violent.
For example, simply giving commands and being consistent goes a long way. If your dog is always made aware of what is and what is not acceptable, you will have a greater chance of success.
When your dog disobeys, scold him and send him to his quarters- whether it be a dog bed, a kennel, going outside or just a specific place in the house.
Don't allow him to beg for food. Doing this gives him the impression that it's okay to whine to get what he wants.
It's not.
If and when a dog should bite you, and you have had this dog and don't believe him to be wild or sick, then you have to take action to ensure he knows that it will not be accepted. (If there is any indication of disorientation of your dog at this time, call a vet. Dogs can bite if they are sick, hurt or scared. You should seek professional advice.)
Appropriate action would not be to scold or hit the dog but rather to grab his head firmly, not in anger or rage but in calm control, and bite him on the ear. Don't try to break the skin or really hurt the dog. You are just making a point here that you are the leader and he needs to respect you.
It is also highly recommended that you train your dog to walk with you on a leash, at your heel level. This puts the dog in an active submissive role on a regular basis and helps you to enforce that you are the boss.
I would suggest getting a book or training video to get more details on the topic, or research dog forums for advice from other owners who prefer to train themselves and not send their dogs to obedience school.
Remember that if you want to be the top dog, you have to take control. Leadership is essential in a dog's life. You are the one who gets to choose who that leader is.
About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at dog gifts and toys for dog lovers.
Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.
If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More
Keeping your dog safe is similar to keeping a child... Read More
For most cat owners, training their cat to use the... Read More
Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More
Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More
I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More
"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
1.) Versatility- A good dog trainer will use techniques and... Read More
"On Trust" & "Paid For" for are one of the... Read More
Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More
Westies dogs' owners delight in the companionship their dogs give... Read More
The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part... Read More
Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More
If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More
Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More
Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More
Training your dog to "sit" is probably the first thing... Read More
Is your bird a seed only eater? Did you know... Read More
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
Wondering how to begin crate training your puppy or dog,... Read More
All puppies are small dogs ? some, however, won't be... Read More
Why should you use the dog crate training method?Is the... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream!... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More
Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More
For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is... Read More
Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More
House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More
When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More
What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort... Read More
Hamsters are soft, furry and small. They make wonderful pets... Read More
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More
Pet |