Have you ever watched "The Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic Channel? I have always thought it fascinating how some people can get animals to respond so readily while the majority of folks have difficulty. He says on his show that about 90% of the problem is usually the dog's owner. They let the pet become leader of the pack rather than taking on that role themselves. The owner usually wants a loving, fun-filled, playful companion and so they act that way with their dog. They don't set boundaries or provide discipline. The dog becomes spoiled and misbehaves or develops intolerable habits. I've seen the same thing with horses. Horses can quickly become dangerous because they are so powerful.
With Duke, our new puppy, I am reminded of these things. He is very smart and pushes the boundaries continuously. He also is male, obviously, and that adds to the dominance issue. We will work through this though. I promise I haven't been praying for patience! Usually that's what happens. I'm sure you heard about the woman who kept praying for patience. God gave her twins.
10 comments:
I think it is wise to call what Milan does, "Dog Psychology."
It is more about Psychology than dogs.
It amazes me to see the reactions from folks when they realize how inappropriate their behavior and/or husbandry are.
I think having and caring for animals is absolutely required for properly bringing up children. My little ones won't get to have chickens, pigs or horses. I'm sure not going to let them miss out on dogs too.
I just got my first male dog in a life line of 21..The males are very different and will just see how far you will go with them. This dog , Pharoah , however, also watches my eyes constantly for approval . Thank Goodness!!!
A life without dogs is like a day without sunshine.
When we got our English Springer Spanial, Molly in 1996 I hired a personal trainer. The first 2 weeks she spent with me without Molly. We then added Molly, she was 7 weeks old when she started training. I learned how to train a dog and how much they enjoy it.
All dogs we got after Molly, Molly is still with us, I have trained, it's really simple if you know the basic rules.
I can train any dog to do anything and I mean anything. Sometimes my wife and I will decide to train them to do smething new, with-in an hour they're doing it and never forget it.
I'm impressed Ranando. We're doing well with leash training and some other basic commands but we're struggling a bit with the house-breaking. Patience. Must be patient.
If you don't have a crate, get one.
At night put Duke in his crate, he won't mess where he sleeps, get one just big enough for him to lay-down. In the morning take him from his crate to outside and let him do his thing and reward him with a treat. I use Turkey Dogs, cut up in small pieces. Turkey Dogs, no fat and are great for dogs.
Beleive me crates work and your dog will end up loving it. He can do no harm if he's in his crate.
If you go away for a few hours, put him in his crate and take him outside when you get home, always reward him for now. Later you can remove the rewards and just praise him.
It works.
Thanks, Ranando. We have a crate and that's exactly what we've been trying. We're making progress. I guess I just expect perfection.
You 'n the dog trying to figure out whose boss?
The horse whisperer - Monte (forget the last name) out of California was awesome to watch.
exactly right my friend...spoil kids or a doggie and they run your life~!
I wish the guy who owns the company I work for would watch Dog Whisperer then. We could use some guidance, right now it's anarchy at the office.He not only has no clue what's going on in the office, he told us at a staff meeting a few weeks ago he doesn't want to know. Fun place to work.
We crate trained, did everything right first...over time, things slipped.
Zack's 3, and is responding well to a readjustment (mostly after I read Cesar's book.)
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