HOW TO BE A LEADER           (IN YOUR DOG'S EYES)

Is your dog pushy and out-of-control? Or shy and distrustful? Does he lack respect for your point of view, or try to get his way no matter what you tell him? All of these things can be a sign that something is wrong in the relationship between dog and owner. This can be the cause of many behavior problems. Dogs need a leader-- if the dog is not given appropriate guidance (if in his point of view you are not a worthy leader) the dog may feel he has to make the decisions, or may become confused about his role in the family. Remember the old slogan "Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way". 

This program does not resort to punishment, but it involves slightly altering everyday interactions with your dog. The program will make an improvement on how your dog views the social hierarchy in your pack (family). In addition to working with pushy dogs, this program is also helpful with shy dogs-- by providing them with a more stable environment and consistent leadership, these dogs are better able to gain self-confidence. Your dog will learn to look to you when he is uncertain, instead of making his own decisions.

Implement as many of these concepts as you can. Stay with it for several weeks. Your dog didn't climb to the top overnight, so it may take a little time to change his mind about things. As your dog begins to respond, you may gradually slacken off, but especially at first, consistent repetition is the key to success.

1. See your veterinarian to rule out any physical problems-- it has been reported that twenty percent of behavior problems stem from a physical problem. This would be a good time to ask about spaying or neutering if you have not already done so.

2. Establish eye contact, a major communication channel. At first even a brief glance at you should be reinforced with praise or food reward. See "The Name Game". Eye contact should be pleasant, not a stern glare.

3. All food treats and petting must be "earned" by obeying a command. Example: If your dog comes to you for attention, tell the dog to "sit" before petting. Pet him for only 10-15 seconds at a time. Constant petting gives him the impression he is top dog. If he solicits attention after the 10-15 seconds, give him another command, or you can ignore him and walk away.

4. If one of your meals coincides with the dog's scheduled meals, make it a point to feed the dog after you have eaten. This makes a nonverbal statement to the dog. Remember the National Geographic specials? Which wolf eats first? Do not leave food available all the time-- the dog should understand he is dependent on you for his food. Some dogs do better with twice-a-day feedings, to eliminate possible hunger stress.

Teach your dog to sit for all his meals, and YOU give him permission to eat. We will show you how to achieve this in class - without using any physical corrections.

5. Don't allow the dog to barge ahead of you when going through doorways, gates, or car doors. Use a leash or verbal command to have your dog wait as you go through, then give him permission to come along. Leaders go first.

6. Show the dog that you have right-of-way. If he is lying in the hallway and you want to pass, don't step over or around him. Walk into the dog with tiny, shuffling steps, telling him "Move". When he moves out of your way, tell him "Good". Do not kick or knee the dog. This is called "Yielding" and we will show you how to do this.

7. If you are having behavior problems with your dog, do not allow the dog to sleep on your bed. In his eyes, this makes him an equal. Have him sleep in your bedroom, but put him in a crate for the night, or on a mat beside the bed. If you have already established yourself as the leader, then having the dog sleep on the bed should not cause a problem. Try this test: tell the dog to get off the bed. If he jumps off, fine, but your dog should get on the bed only on your invitation. If he growls or ignores you, then he is not acknowledging you as the leader, so do not allow him to sleep on the bed at all. 

8. Physical handling: Put your hand over the top of your dog's muzzle and gently hold it there for a few seconds. If your dog mouths your hand, discontinue this point until later in the program. Once a day, invite him over for a belly rub-- this gesture of subordination can be enjoyable for both of you. Have regular grooming sessions with your dog, gradually including sensitive spots, if any. If necessary, putting a tiny smear of peanut butter on a washable vertical surface such as the refrigerator door can distract, reward and control the dog's head for a few strokes of the brush. You can also use a short tether to control the dog's head.

9. Do the "Settle Down" exercise every day (see separate handout) ONLY if your instructor has supervised your doing this. After your dog learns the down-stay in class, enforce one twenty minute down stay a day. Praise him when he does well, and remember always give your release word before letting him get up. Down stays can be done while you eat a meal or read the paper, but be sure you are in a position to help him stay down. If your dog doesn't respond to "down", get your instructor's help. 

10. Until you establish yourself as leader, avoid tug-of-war games with your dog. Only if and when your dog responds to the commands "Give" and "Leave it", and you are able to begin and end the game on your terms, should you consider playing this game. Otherwise it may become a contest that the dog can "win". Tug can be a wonderful outlet for your dog IF he can play by the rules.

11. Practice your obedience exercises every day, but keep sessions short. Don't work with your dog if you lose patience. Reward the dog with verbal praise and/or a small food treat when he responds to your commands.

This program encourages you to increase the time you spend with your dog, but all interactions should be on your terms. Include your dog in activities you both enjoy, but remain "in charge" of these activities.

Obedience class will help you to not only stop inappropriate behavior, but most importantly, to teach your dog an acceptable behavior for the situation. Contact your instructor if you have trouble with implementing any of these points.

If you have read all this - great! Now I will condense it for you. "Control the resources, control the dog." Stop giving everything to your dog for free - ask him to do something for YOU first.

Copyright © Pat Scott

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