Have you seen those dog owners who have complete control? Their pet walks so pleasantly on the leash, looks to its owner for direction, is calm and happy? These are owners who have bonded with their dogs. They have forged a line of communication between man and canine that allows for both to completely understand each other. They rely on each other for many things. Here’s how you can do it…
5. Train them. Teach them the rules. Become the leader of the pack. Be consistent in your messages so they are clear on what’s expected of them. When the same behavior leads to the same consequence (whether good or bad) the message will be received. Just think of them as speaking a different language. You still have to communicate in order to live peacefully.
4. Do at least one “dog thing” a day with them. Get silly. It will make you smile. Have fun with it. You need to play too. Throw the ball, get down on your hands and knees and play with them, go for a walk, whatever it takes for him to just be a dog. In my house we do this funny thing. Greyhounds make this great howling noise called a “roo”. Maybe you’ve heard of it. It basically sounds like you would think only they hold it out at the end, “roooooooooooo…” Very cute! So we all do a group roo each night lead by yours truly. It’s funny to watch them. Each dog has its own voice. They get to let pure instinct take over for a moment. It’s really helped bring my super shy old girl out of her shell.
3. Feed them. Have one person at a time feed them for a little while (say two weeks or so), then switch it up. That person should feed them around the same time and in the same location for every meal. When your dog has to rely on that person for their food, he starts to pay attention to them more. It’s like earning respect in the dog world.
2. Snuggle with them. Feel their energy. Let them feel yours. Touch them. Take a moment to stop what you are doing and just pay attention to them. It will bring your stress level down. I swear. You can actually notice a difference. In addition to that, as alpha it is important to acknowledge them. Perhaps in the past they’ve had to resort to doing negative things to get your attention?
1. Show them that they make you happy. Get that high pitched, over-excited-cheerleading-tryouts voice. Clap your hands. Say their names… you get the idea. Let them dance around in that glory for a few seconds. Really stress the fact that they are the best dog you have ever known. Then when you’re done, give them each a treat. Making the alpha happy is what they live for.
I know that there are a million things in each day that we have to do and sometimes things like this get lost in the shuffle. What has happened in the past is over. Your dog lives in the moment. It’s never too late to start. He is very adaptable and with positive motivation and lots of love and support, your home can be a calm and peaceful place once again. Just be patient… and consistent.
~Laura
Meet Lacy! She is one of our Poodle Models and is owned by Lou Murphy, President of the AZ Poodle Rescue. She was such a cutie to work with! Very food motivated! If you have a dog like that, you are really in luck! You can teach them anything. See how well she does “sit”? She’s also ready for “shake”. She’s adorable.
by adogslifephoto
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