Becoming your dog's leader is a very important part of their life. Most people don't realize just how important it is for their dog's well-being and happiness. Usually when I get a call from a client to handle their dog's behavioral problems, it all comes down to one thing: the human is not providing direction for their dog. A dog's place in our homes has gone from the doghouse outside to our living room couch. The "letting the dog do whatever they want" scenario is not what we want to teach them. Recent studies have proven that older philosophies regarding wolf behavior have been misinterpreted and the phrase once coined in the 40s- "becoming Alpha" may have been wrong. So where do we go from interpreting wolf behavior to canine behavior? I believe that because dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, they no longer relate to one another in a pack with their human counterparts, but more like a family. The humans of this group should act like responsible parents - not alpha wolves. I often tell my clients to watch the show Super Nanny to get an idea of the balance between setting rules and guidelines. Dogs need rules just as humans do in order to function properly. Providing doggie biscuits on a silver platter is just a recipe for disaster. In most cases, it's not the dog's fault and I can't blame every pet owner either- it's just from a lack of information. Sometimes I often find myself wondering if scientists and vets just spent their money and resources researching human behavior with their pets, we would probably understand dogs more than we do today.
So where does the line cross when you should love your dog but not let them become a terror? If you have to ask that question, maybe you love your dog way too much… Impossible! Some will say- how can I not let that cute, little creature do whatever they want? After all, their lives are short- why not let them enjoy every moment of it? If this sounds like something you'd say you might be a culprit of the Spoiled Rotten Dog Syndrome: otherwise known as: SRDS. The funny thing is that rather than making your dog happy, you are actually making them un-happy. Confused? Allow me to explain….
It's quite obvious that canines benefit from learning new tasks and training. We know this not only by watching their progress through learning but also by paying attention to them as young puppies. The mother's role for the first 6 - 8 weeks is to provide her puppies with education, food and protection. As a responsible pet owner, we are then looked upon as the providers to be their leader for the rest of their lives. On the same level, one can learn a lot from being a parent and seeing the benefits of setting routines through structure for their children. Once fundamental structure is taken away from a child; boredom may set in and cause problems like; lack of socialization or loss of respect for elders. These kids usually end up getting into trouble and it's not that far away from what your dog may do. The only difference is, your dog may direct their attention towards marking your couch or even biting you! Without a leader your dog feels unprotected.
The dog is not always the one to blame; most dog problems are people problems. So how can you empower your pooch and make them into the dog you always wanted? Here are some tips that your furry friend will be grateful for:
- Provide adequate exercise for your dog's breed type. I recommend forty-five minutes for large breeds, and twenty minutes for small breeds a day.
- Complete a basic training course.
- Provide nutritious dog food.
- Feed your dog twice a day around the same time and only allow them their food for ten to fifteen minutes. If they don't eat, don't feed them until their next meal.
To a dog you are speaking their language. The leader always controls the resources including food. This will promote good eating habits as well as encourage them to respect you. - Always go through doorways and gates first that lead inside /outside, intro rooms /out of rooms, etc. The leader always goes first.
- Don't allow your dog on your furniture or bed with out having them ask your permission first. If you are having problems such as aggression, eliminate beds and furniture all together. The higher your dog is, the more confident they become, the less respect they will generate towards you.
- Set up structure, consistency and routine in your dog's life such as walk time, play time, etc. Don't get into the habit of telling your dog one thing one moment and the opposite later on. Keep your rules and commands consistent.
- Socialize. Keep going to the dog park, meeting your friend's for coffee with your dog by your side, etc. Just because they are past the puppy stage doesn't mean that socialization is over.
- Play. Grab an Orbee Ball and hit the beach or your backyard. Take Fido to your favorite pet store and pick out a toy that he'll love. Fetch, run, chase, pull, tug, whatever they like to do get out there and play with them.
- Have your dog perform basic commands or tricks for food, toys, play, etc.
Stress could also be a leading cause of problems in your dog's life. For example, I observed a client's Golden Retriever in Beverly Hills who became severely anxious - jumping on the glass windows and panting heavily every time a gardener entered their yard. We set up some hidden cameras to examine the behavior, and sure enough, the gardener was hitting this poor dog with his rake every time he ran through the flowers. The moral of the story is, you should investigate any painful symptoms with your vet and assume nothing until you've investigated all sources.
No one said having a dog was easy but if you are suffering from SRDS, ask yourself next time if it's you that needs the training. Remember, to be a great leader requires balance - gentle but firm, loving but tough. Always protect your dog, but find that even balance of love and respect between the two of you. Love, respect and leadership are as essential as food and water to your canine. Find that steady balance between all three and you just might find that you own "Lassie" and never knew you had!