You couldn’t resist – the puppy was ever so cute. You brought him home, and now you are at a crossroads. You have invited a canine into your life, and he will become either a beloved companion or a cause of frustration. The choice is yours.
A good relationship with your dog starts with good dog training. This aspect of dog care is not to be neglected. Your pet wants to please, but in order to do that he must be taught that you are his leader. And perhaps you must learn a little about his world as well.
Canines are social animals by nature. The domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) we enjoy today are descendants of their wild cousins, the wolves (Canis lupus). Therefore, it should be expected that our canine companions retain some wolf-like behaviors. Wolves run in packs with a definite hierarchy – the leader male is the dominant animal, and his subordinates adhere to a system of dominance over one another. Modern domestic dogs understand the world in much the same way. The creatures with whom they associate – be they fellow dogs, humans, or other animals such as cats, goats, or horses – form their pack.
From your dog’s perspective, the actions of you and your family determine his rank in the pack. The leader gets to decide what the pack does, and he gets to do it first. He eats first, enters through the doorway first, leads on walks, and decides who gets to sleep on the couch or bed. If your dog fits this description – pulling you when he’s on the leash, jumping on the furniture, stealing food, etc. – then he believes he is in charge and will likely not listen to your commands.
How can you achieve leader status? Be consistent in your dog training regimen. Reward your dog for good behavior, and don’t let him get away with inappropriate behavior – even when you must correct him over and over again. You may also want to enlist the help of a professional dog trainer. If you live in the Lakewood or Golden area, such dog care assistance is available at Pet Peeves LLC.
Consider now some common causes of pet/owner conflict and tips for alleviating the strife.
Your dog chews on everything.
You come home from work and your dog has destroyed your favorite pair of shoes. He’s ripped a hole in the couch and even taken a bite out of the wall. What can you do?
A first step is to literally get down on his level. Crouch or lie down on the floor, and just look around. What items attract your attention? A toy on the floor? A piece of clothing? Seeing the world from your dog’s perspective can help you to understand what might be a temptation to him. Remove any tantalizing objects from your dog’s reach. Also, give him a few toys. If he starts to chew on a forbidden object, take it from him and replace it with one of his toys. With patience and consistency, he will come to understand the boundaries between what is his and what is not.
Destructive behavior can also originate with loneliness or boredom. A simple solution for both of these ills is to board your dog at a dog boarding kennel or dog daycare while you are away from home. In this way, he can benefit from socializing with other dogs and the enriching attention of the staff.
Your outdoor dog seems untrainable.
He won’t sit, stay, or listen to any other commands, and when you let him out of his kennel, he remains just out of your reach.
The simple solution to this dilemma is to spend more time with your dog. If you and your dog merely greet each other in passing a few times a day, he likely doesn’t view you as his pack mate, let alone a superior to whom he must listen. Play with him, bring him into your home so that he can feel a part of the family, then try again to train him. Once he feels that he belongs, he will become a loyal friend who is eager to please.
No matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to come to peace with your dog.
You’ve read books, watched The Dog Whisperer, alternately scolded your pet and fed him treats. You’ve done everything right, but still you do not have the harmonious relationship with your dog that you desire. Perhaps your dog even exhibits aggressive behavior. Fear not – all your companion needs is a little dog training.
Professional trainers have experience working with many canine personalities and will help you to understand your dog on his terms. They will help him to understand his subordinate role in the family, and they will help you to be assertive in your role as the leader. This natural balance, which hearkens to scenes which have played out in primitive forests for millennia, will bring you peace of mind and tranquility to your home.
Pet Peeves LLC serves the Golden and Lakewood areas with professional dog boarding, dog daycare, and training. Dog have long been called man’s best friend, and for good reason – they are unique in their ability to form a loyal, lasting, cross-species bond. Your dog, too, can be your best friend, with the help of your friends at Pet Peeves LLC
