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How to be a leader to your fuzzy family member.
By Renée Lamoureux
The idea of your dog receiving nothing in life for free is not a new concept, nor one that can only be used on specific behavior issues. All dogs have the genetic background of work that survives today. The job description for any dog may include having to guard the family, protect the flock, move the sheep, sit on a lap, or be a constant companion to the family. In today’s world the role of the family pet changes every day. With that change, the average pet owner needs to know how to keep their dog’s role as the family dog in perspective. This program, along with training, has shown positive changes in behavior. Some of those changes can be very subtle and others quite extreme. The shy, timid dog will understand that he doesn’t need to be in charge and will relax as he assumes his place in the pack. The dog “president” of the family will learn that this position isn’t the best position for him and learn to look to the owners as pack leader. Even if your dog isn’t showing any of those behaviors we consider as “bad” and the dog thinks of as “fun”, this program will help put the natural order of things into perspective for owner and dog. Building a solid foundation with your dog is very important and this foundation is more easily made with a dog who knows where his place in the family is.
The basic idea of this program can be thought of in terms of what the dog needs most and in what order. Exercise, leadership and then earned attention is a good starting point. This program does not mean that you need to take time away from your dog or to be mean in any way. We want you, as the owner, to initiate the dog into exercise, work and play. Many owners in today’s fast paced, busy world have a hard time building an hour into their schedule. Imagine how much easier it would be to spend time with your dog if he had a clear, stress-free understanding of when to play, when to listen intently and when to just relax with you. The goal of this program is to have fun with your dog with out losing the perspective of who is in charge, who really owns all those tasty treats, who buys the fun tennis balls and who keeps a roof over the dog’s head. Instead of the dog coming up and nudging your hand for a marathon of belly rubs, the owner can tell the dog, “Not now, we’ll go for a walk in a moment. Sit and be calm while I finish what I am doing.” This makes more sense to the dog, garners more respect from the dog and will allow you and your dog to come to an understanding of who the leader is.
Bringing Home Baby
Written by: Dawn Geremia
Please understand this article was written under the assumption that you do not own an aggressive dog. If your dog has ever shown aggression, or ever shows aggression in the future, contact a professional dog trainer immediately. Growling, showing teeth, snapping, etc, should never be taken lightly and seriously endangers the welfare of your newborn baby. You will need professional guidance.
So, you’re having a baby and you already have a dog. What’s the best way to introduce the two so that there are as few problems as possible? I’m sure you’ve heard that you should bring home a dirty diaper, or a blanket from the hospital after the baby is born, so that your dog will become accustomed to the scent of the baby. This is a good idea, but did you know there are multiple things you can do before you have your baby, and not wait until after you give birth, to help smooth the transition of bringing home baby to your family dog?
First, consider your dog’s current behavior. Not the behavior that you would like him to have, or hope for him to have, but his behavior on this very day. Does your dog jump on people? If so, what if he jumped on you while you are holding your baby? Does he jump on the furniture without waiting to be invited? If so, what if your baby was lying on the bed and the dog jumped up, landing on the baby? Does he come when called? If not, how will you keep your dog from running out the front door when visitors arrive and you have your baby in your arms? Does he drag you down the sidewalk on his leash as if he were heading up the Alaskan Sled Dog Team? If so, how will you safely walk your dog while pushing your baby in a stroller? Would you allow a friend’s dog with these behaviors to be around your newborn baby? Hopefully, not, so you should not allow your own dog to exhibit these behaviors around your baby.
