How to Become a Strong Leader
How many people here lead their dog?
How many people here are led by their dog?
Who is pulled down the street by their dog when on a walk?
Who pets their dog when they come up to you begging for attention with those cute eyes?
Who free feeds their dog?
Who feeds their dog out of a bowl?
Whose dog barks or rushes the door when they hear the bell, a knock, or a new arrival enter the house?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, aspects of your relationship with your dog could use some further clarification. For those with dogs who rule the household, now is the time to start gaining respect.
Leadership is kind, direct, and purposeful. It is about clarifying the rules of our foreign human world for our pets and about controlling resources. When you begin a leadership program, your dog may at first be confused because it is new. Who has seen a puppy fight and put the brakes on when they first experience a leash and collar? If the program is instilled fairly and clearly, your life will become extremely peaceful and more enjoyable for you and your dog. I’m sure that everyone loves their dog and is loved by their dog. By leading your dog you will also gain respect and connection. This is different from just being loved. This is about providing more than the basic essentials. Your dog needs physical stimulation, mental stimulation, and clear communication from his or her leader. This will give you not just love, but secure attachment.
For our human children, we control resources.
We must control resources. We control all of these aspects of our children’s lives for their physical and psychological well-being. We do for humans and dogs do for their pack, so we must do the same for the dogs in our pack.
Dominance is a behavioral trait designed to ensure survival of the individual and the species. This is a completely natural behavior in the wild, which is mainly expressed by competition over resources and self-protection. In the wild, the leader guards food, mates, the den, space and belongings. The leaders initiate pack behaviors and activities such as a hunt or play and also stop the activity. Our pet dogs do not need this anymore. However some dogs still display this behavior if they think they are the leader. Often times our pet dogs will saunter up to us and drop a rope or ball in our laps. This is saying "play with me now." The dog is controlling play time, not the human.
What are things our pets may deem as resources?
Resources: food, objects, space, certain people
What are some human actions our pets may feel the need against which to protect themselves?
Protection: response to gestures, body pressure, petting in a certain area (top of head)
What about the food may the dog guard?
Food – dog guards when owner tries to take food item dog possesses, guards the location of the food, and guards the food bowl while eating. One dog even guarded his vomit!
What objects may the dog guard?
Objects – toys, balls, Kleenex box, socks, shoes, bone, anything the dog deems valuable.
What spaces may the dog guard?
Space – couch, crate, their bed, owner’s bed, any space they are resting at and deem theirs.
Guarding over a pack member
Owner guarding – guard a person they are fond of or other animals they live with.
How do animals express their leadership?
barking, whining, snapping, demanding affection, resisting grooming, disobeying, freezing, hard eye stare, eating very fast, closing mouth, growling, snarling, biting
Notice the clarity of their signals!
Why do they express things in this fashion? What is a dog saying when he bumps up against you and wants attention? What is he saying when he starts to growl? Why do our dogs disobey?
Perhaps our dogs are fearful and therefore aggressive or seemingly defiant. More likely, our dogs are confused, clueless to our human rules, and think they are the leader! Let’s help our dogs understand that you are the leader by applying a very simple rule: NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE
Dogs in the lead may act fine in traditional dog training settings but typically do not bring the good manners home. They obey about 70% of the time and only if they want to. They are disobedient around distractions or when the owner really needs them to obey. They usually ignore the owner.
The owner must start replacing the dog’s behavior with something appropriate using reliable obedience. The dog must begin to learn that the owner is no longer a subordinate threat to their well-being. Powerful rewards should be paired with behaviors that the owner wishes to promote.
What are a few things that dogs need to live a healthy and happy life?
Control play and objects – put all toys away. Only pull out when you are playing or after they have obeyed a command or done something pleasing to the owner. Tug only in a controlled fashion. The game begins when you say it begins and ends when you end it. Tug toys only with you on the other end. Never release that toy and let your dog take it and run away with it.
Control food – no free meals! Control the amount of time they have to eat making sure it is not still there for the dog to eat freely. Put down for 10 minutes and that’s it. Also, feed when you want them to eat, not when they say it’s time. Alter the time so they don’t get on a routine which dogs pick up on very fast. If they don’t eat, they don’t eat!! Dogs eat intermittently in the wild and their domesticated relatives share the same physiological needs. Feed from the hand as a treat while you train. Make sure commands are sharp and quick before giving them a piece of food. Make them work for the food in interactive toys. In the wild, dogs spend about 98% of their time hunting. Therefore, the instinct to work for food is natural and dogs should be provided an outlet for this.
Petting/Affection – only when deserved and make sure it’s in certain spots. Know where your dog likes to be petted. Typically, dogs shy away from the top of the head pat. Try chest, under the chin, behind the ears, or their side. Bottom line – know your dog. Stop gratuitous petting. Affection has three parts: no touching, no eye contact, no talking to.
Height/Space – restrict dog’s access to high places. Don’t allow eyes to be on the same level or lower than your dogs. Don’t play on the floor or don’t allow on furniture. Redirect behavior by obedience, come, walk, place, etc. or block the certain piece of furniture. Use leash so you can intervene without physical contact or doggie-safe mouse traps. You decide where the dog sleeps, where it should lay down while you are eating, etc. Too many clients defend their decision when they make their dogs sleep in their crates. Don’t defend yourselves. Be proud of yourselves for controlling your home and giving clarity to your dog! Tight spaces including stairwells, doorways, crowds, should be led by you and followed by your dog.
Exercise – All dogs need a different amount of exercise but it is the owner’s responsibility to provide enough to your dog. A tired dog is a good and happy dog! It’s true! Also, walks become more stimulating when they are controlled, providing mental stimulation as well as physical. Heeling means walk next to you. It doesn’t mean pull or sniff the fire hydrant or chew on mulch or pee. His job is to walk with you. It is up to you when you allow your dog to sniff along the walk.
Diet – natural, no preservatives, check protein source, dietary allergies
Time – Control what you do at any given time. If it is time to lie down and be quiet, then that’s what time it is. Down stay, place stay, etc. Crate time.
A dog needs all of these things. We also want our dogs to appreciate them. If he gets them wherever he wants, whenever he wants, he will learn to appreciate nothing.
Remember that nothing in life is free. Anything you control, you should be prepared and willing to deny. Dog must now work for a living. That’s what dogs are bred to do, so they should be happy about it! Our pet dogs crave leadership and they want you as their leader.
How many people here are led by their dog?
Who is pulled down the street by their dog when on a walk?
Who pets their dog when they come up to you begging for attention with those cute eyes?
Who free feeds their dog?
Who feeds their dog out of a bowl?
Whose dog barks or rushes the door when they hear the bell, a knock, or a new arrival enter the house?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, aspects of your relationship with your dog could use some further clarification. For those with dogs who rule the household, now is the time to start gaining respect.
Leadership is kind, direct, and purposeful. It is about clarifying the rules of our foreign human world for our pets and about controlling resources. When you begin a leadership program, your dog may at first be confused because it is new. Who has seen a puppy fight and put the brakes on when they first experience a leash and collar? If the program is instilled fairly and clearly, your life will become extremely peaceful and more enjoyable for you and your dog. I’m sure that everyone loves their dog and is loved by their dog. By leading your dog you will also gain respect and connection. This is different from just being loved. This is about providing more than the basic essentials. Your dog needs physical stimulation, mental stimulation, and clear communication from his or her leader. This will give you not just love, but secure attachment.
For our human children, we control resources.
| Food | - Feed a controlled quantity at a specific time and place |
| Space | - Ride buckled-up in the back seat |
| Time | - Make child do homework first, before going outside to play with friends |
We must control resources. We control all of these aspects of our children’s lives for their physical and psychological well-being. We do for humans and dogs do for their pack, so we must do the same for the dogs in our pack.
Dominance is a behavioral trait designed to ensure survival of the individual and the species. This is a completely natural behavior in the wild, which is mainly expressed by competition over resources and self-protection. In the wild, the leader guards food, mates, the den, space and belongings. The leaders initiate pack behaviors and activities such as a hunt or play and also stop the activity. Our pet dogs do not need this anymore. However some dogs still display this behavior if they think they are the leader. Often times our pet dogs will saunter up to us and drop a rope or ball in our laps. This is saying "play with me now." The dog is controlling play time, not the human.
What are things our pets may deem as resources?
Resources: food, objects, space, certain people
What are some human actions our pets may feel the need against which to protect themselves?
Protection: response to gestures, body pressure, petting in a certain area (top of head)
What about the food may the dog guard?
Food – dog guards when owner tries to take food item dog possesses, guards the location of the food, and guards the food bowl while eating. One dog even guarded his vomit!
What objects may the dog guard?
Objects – toys, balls, Kleenex box, socks, shoes, bone, anything the dog deems valuable.
What spaces may the dog guard?
Space – couch, crate, their bed, owner’s bed, any space they are resting at and deem theirs.
Guarding over a pack member
Owner guarding – guard a person they are fond of or other animals they live with.
How do animals express their leadership?
barking, whining, snapping, demanding affection, resisting grooming, disobeying, freezing, hard eye stare, eating very fast, closing mouth, growling, snarling, biting
Notice the clarity of their signals!
Why do they express things in this fashion? What is a dog saying when he bumps up against you and wants attention? What is he saying when he starts to growl? Why do our dogs disobey?
Perhaps our dogs are fearful and therefore aggressive or seemingly defiant. More likely, our dogs are confused, clueless to our human rules, and think they are the leader! Let’s help our dogs understand that you are the leader by applying a very simple rule: NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE
Dogs in the lead may act fine in traditional dog training settings but typically do not bring the good manners home. They obey about 70% of the time and only if they want to. They are disobedient around distractions or when the owner really needs them to obey. They usually ignore the owner.
The owner must start replacing the dog’s behavior with something appropriate using reliable obedience. The dog must begin to learn that the owner is no longer a subordinate threat to their well-being. Powerful rewards should be paired with behaviors that the owner wishes to promote.
What are a few things that dogs need to live a healthy and happy life?
Control play and objects – put all toys away. Only pull out when you are playing or after they have obeyed a command or done something pleasing to the owner. Tug only in a controlled fashion. The game begins when you say it begins and ends when you end it. Tug toys only with you on the other end. Never release that toy and let your dog take it and run away with it.
Control food – no free meals! Control the amount of time they have to eat making sure it is not still there for the dog to eat freely. Put down for 10 minutes and that’s it. Also, feed when you want them to eat, not when they say it’s time. Alter the time so they don’t get on a routine which dogs pick up on very fast. If they don’t eat, they don’t eat!! Dogs eat intermittently in the wild and their domesticated relatives share the same physiological needs. Feed from the hand as a treat while you train. Make sure commands are sharp and quick before giving them a piece of food. Make them work for the food in interactive toys. In the wild, dogs spend about 98% of their time hunting. Therefore, the instinct to work for food is natural and dogs should be provided an outlet for this.
Petting/Affection – only when deserved and make sure it’s in certain spots. Know where your dog likes to be petted. Typically, dogs shy away from the top of the head pat. Try chest, under the chin, behind the ears, or their side. Bottom line – know your dog. Stop gratuitous petting. Affection has three parts: no touching, no eye contact, no talking to.
Height/Space – restrict dog’s access to high places. Don’t allow eyes to be on the same level or lower than your dogs. Don’t play on the floor or don’t allow on furniture. Redirect behavior by obedience, come, walk, place, etc. or block the certain piece of furniture. Use leash so you can intervene without physical contact or doggie-safe mouse traps. You decide where the dog sleeps, where it should lay down while you are eating, etc. Too many clients defend their decision when they make their dogs sleep in their crates. Don’t defend yourselves. Be proud of yourselves for controlling your home and giving clarity to your dog! Tight spaces including stairwells, doorways, crowds, should be led by you and followed by your dog.
Exercise – All dogs need a different amount of exercise but it is the owner’s responsibility to provide enough to your dog. A tired dog is a good and happy dog! It’s true! Also, walks become more stimulating when they are controlled, providing mental stimulation as well as physical. Heeling means walk next to you. It doesn’t mean pull or sniff the fire hydrant or chew on mulch or pee. His job is to walk with you. It is up to you when you allow your dog to sniff along the walk.
Diet – natural, no preservatives, check protein source, dietary allergies
Time – Control what you do at any given time. If it is time to lie down and be quiet, then that’s what time it is. Down stay, place stay, etc. Crate time.
A dog needs all of these things. We also want our dogs to appreciate them. If he gets them wherever he wants, whenever he wants, he will learn to appreciate nothing.
Remember that nothing in life is free. Anything you control, you should be prepared and willing to deny. Dog must now work for a living. That’s what dogs are bred to do, so they should be happy about it! Our pet dogs crave leadership and they want you as their leader.
