Pack Leaders Control Every Situation. Are you in Control?
There is no situation in which your dog should find himself where he is unclear about what to do. Clear signals should come from you in every interaction you have with your dog. You may think that you are in charge all of the time. Unfortunately, this is probably not the case. Have you ever:
• Fed your dog before feeding yourself?
• Walked in from work and pet your dog before changing your clothes?
• Pet your dog simply because he approached you and nudged his head near your hand?
• Comforted your dog while he was barking?
• Comforted your dog while he was fearful?
• Given your dog affection, treats or food without a command?
The list is of possible missteps is endless. If any of the above situations have occurred, and they probably have, which is why you are reading this book, then you are not in charge all of the time. During these times, your dog questioned whether you were the leader. And you failed by making him the center of attention and taking care of his needs before yours. In the human world, we are taught to take care of our children and family before ourselves. However, in the dog world, the pack leader takes care of himself first. This is not a selfish act; actually, it is a selfless act. The pack leader is making sure the pack survives by making sure the strongest, fastest, most skillful member survives and reproduces, thereby ensuring that the pack will also flourish.
Human to Dog Affection
Petting your dog has been proven to relieve human symptoms of stress, anxiety and worry and to lift the spirits of the ill. That is why we see service and therapy dogs in hospitals across the world. Petting is very effective in helping us deal with the stress of our lives. Unfortunately, this has led to many dogs believing that they are the center of attention, the pack leader and the one calling the shots.
When your dog comes up to you and nudges you for a scratch, you may think it is cute. It may make you happy and create awe in the power of Mother Nature because your dog is actually communicating with you. You are right, your dog is communicating with you. However, the translation may not be what you expect.
You hear: Hi. You look sad. Let me put my head on your lap so you know I am here for you.
When your dog is actually communicating: Hey! Pet me now! I am in charge because I sense that you are in a weak state. Do as I say!
This may not be what you want to believe but it is true. Do not be discouraged; there is good news. You can still pet your dog whenever you wish. The trick is to give him a command first. A simple Sit command will work. It just shows him that he does not get something for nothing. And why should he, do you?! He will learn that if he listens, then he get what he wants. That is a powerful proposition.
| Chad E. Thompson |
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