Leadership

There are two roles in a dog's world, that of leader and follower. It's important for you to be the leader. Some dogs naturally want to be the leader and some don't, but they will all take the role of leader if nobody else does. Many issues people have with their dogs arise from a lack of leadership on their part.

Being the leader doesn't mean you don't love or show your dog affection. Nor does it mean being harsh or cruel. Leadership means being in control of your dog's behaviour, actions and resources.

What are the resources?

• food
• water
• toys
• bones
• bed
• affection
• outings
• furniture
• back yard
• car
• in a nutshell ... everything

Have your dog work for her favourite things. Use the commands:

• sit before you give her affection
• wait before you feed her
• lie down before you play with her
• shake a paw before you give her a bone

Switch up the commands and rewards so you or your dog don't get bored. This is also great mental stimulation as well as establishing you as the leader.

Signs your dog is in control or is challenging you

• jumps, leans or steps on you
• will not move out of your way
• growls or nips at you when she disagrees with a command
• whines for something and you give it to her (food, affection, toy)
• doesn't listen to commands
• doesn't come when called
• growls when you approach her eating
• barks uncontrollably

Effective leadership qualities

• calm and assertiveness
• fairness
• consistency
• trustworthiness
• confidence
• awareness

Ways to practice leadership

• walk every day with your dog beside or behind you
• get her to earn her favourite resources
• do not look or talk (other than commands) to your dog, let her look to you
• decide when play begins and ends
• feed meals by hand
• have her move out of your way (unless she is sleeping or arthritic)
• walk through doors first
• go up and down stairs first
• invite your dog on the couch or bed if you really want her there*

* Refrain having your dog on the couch or bed while you are establishing yourself as the leader, especially if your dog is challenging you.

Discipline

When it comes to disciplining your dog you can use tone, a look, body language or a quick leash correction. Do not yell and scream or ever hit your dog.

 

Mouthing and Nipping

Dogs use their mouths to communicate with each other from the time they are puppies to adults.

A puppy will mouth things to explore and investigate the world around him, when he’s teething and playing.  This is a perfect time to teach him manners where his mouth and human skin are concerned. Since mouthing is a normal behavior, make sure he always has suitable chew toys available and praise him when he uses them.

If your puppy nips or mouths you during play, you can say "OUCH" really loud and stop the play immediately. DO NOT hit his nose, you are trying to teach him respect not fear and aggression. Ignore him for a few minutes and then resume your play time. Every time he nips do the same thing. His siblings and mother would react much the same way. You want to teach your puppy not to use pressure with his mouth at an early age so that when he grows up he will continue to have that same respect even though his jaw will be much stronger.

If an adolescent or adult dog nips at you, he may be doing it for a different reason. He may be trying to control you with mouth if he disagrees with what you are doing (maybe you are grooming him or moving him off a bed or couch). In this case you must brush up on your leadership skills because your dog is either challenging you or already thinks he's in control.

This is also the case when a dog herds you by nipping at your heels when you walk or run. He is controlling your movement and/or telling you he wants to play. This should not be tolerated as it can pose potential problems if your dog is loose at a playground or somewhere with a lot of kids running around.  You can interrupt his behavior with the word “HEY” in a calm but stern voice every time he nips at you. Be consistent and he will eventually learn. Once he learns the word, you can use it to interrupt him if he’s nipping at someone else.

If you take the time to educate your dog and provide him with the proper leadership, he will respond to you.

Why do dogs run away?

Does your dog bolt out the door the second you open it?

Have you ever had to chase your dog to get her back?

Has your dog passed all of her obedience training but you still don't feel comfortable taking her off leash?

Do you arm yourself with treats every time you go out to keep your dog's attention focused on you or in case she gets away?

Do you use your dog's breed to excuse her desire to run away?

If your dog is running away from you, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I give my dog enough exercise?
• Do I give my dog enough mental stimulation?
• Do provide my dog leadership?
• Does my dog trust me?
• Do I have a bond with my dog?
• Do I play with my dog?

These are valid questions. Your dog may need more exercise than you are giving her. She may be bored and the open door leads to fun, adventure and yummy smells. Dogs don't understand the possible consequences of bolting out the door. So it's up to us to teach them that it's not acceptable behaviour.

When you meet your dog's needs of exercise and leadership, she will naturally follow you. But also teaching her about patience and rules will solidify your bond when she is faced with distractions, whether it is another dog, a cat, squirrel or any scent that might catch her attention.

Many owners think their dogs are well trained until they get out in the real world where the temptations and distractions are everywhere. That is why it's important to practice basic training (sit, stay, wait, and stop) anywhere and everywhere you go.

Respecting the front door

Use commands your dog already knows like "sit" or "stay" before you open the door. Ask someone to ring the doorbell or knock so you can practice. If your dog breaks the command, calmly go get her, and gently lead her back to where she was and do it again.

Corrections at the door

Use a leash, but have no tension. Open the door just a crack and the second your dog moves towards the door, give a quick correction with the leash to get her attention back on you. Do this several times until she does not move when the door opens a crack. Now practice the same exercise but this time open the door wider.

Claim the door

If your dog is at the door waiting for you to open it and dash away, walk in front of it and move her with your body language and the command "back". Be assertive and don't yell. You are asking for space around the door. Do that over and over and eventually your dog will move back as you head to the door or when you say the command.

* If you have a fenced back yard, start practicing these exercises at the back door so that your dog will be safe if she makes mistakes while learning.

You can't teach an old dog new tricks

Please don't fall into this mindset. So many owners think their dog's behaviour is "just the way she is" and never try to make a change. The truth is dogs are never too old to learn. They live in the moment so it's never too late to educate and train them. The same goes for adopted dogs. Don't assume their current behaviour cannot be changed.

Blaming the breed

Give your dog a fair chance and don't use her breed as an excuse. Yes a dog's breed can give you insight to her natural instincts and they do differ however every dog has the potential to be well mannered and balanced. It's up to you to make sure that happens.

What you can do when your dog gets away

Never yell if your dog has run away from you. No matter what you always want to associate coming to you as something positive. This can be very challenging as we often get very frustrated and angry when our dogs run away. So strive to always remain calm and in control.

• Run in the opposite direction while calling her name
• Whistle (make it unique so your dog will recognize it)
• Crouch down and open your arms wide (this is a positive invitation)
• Clap your hands on your legs or in the air
• If all else fails, go and get your dog as calmly as you can

Accidents in the house

Occasionally a dog that has been properly house trained will have an accident inside. This could be the result of a medical condition, a sudden fear, a change in routine or food, overexcitement or a reaction to something going on in your house. Have you been away more than usual? Have you recently moved furniture?  Has another person moved in or out? Are you expecting a new addition to your family?

Changes in your life, whether positive or negative can be very confusing for your dog. They don't understand that you may be getting a nursery ready for a new baby, but they do pick up on your anxious and excited emotions. So staying calm will help your dog to better cope with the changes going on around her.

Confidence does help

The more confident your dog, the easier it will be for her to handle the inevitable changes in your life. Dogs love routine but variety is just as important. Walking many different routes can help condition your dog to accept change and respect your leadership. If you walk the same route every single time, your dog doesn't really have to follow you since she has long since memorized it. So change it up, keep your pooch on her toes.

When accidents happen

If it’s already happened, you can show her and use a disappointing tone when addressing it. There is absolutely no reason to hit your dog or rub her nose in it. It’s just plain cruel and won’t solve anything. You want to show your disapproval, that’s all.

If you catch her in the act, interrupt her and lead her outside. When she goes to finish, praise her.

It's very important to never put your dog in her crate as a punishment if you find a mess. Or when you are feeling stressed, anxious or frustrated. Her crate should represent rest, relaxation and safety at all times.

If you have been extra busy, tired or stressed and your walks have turned into quick outings in the backyard, you shouldn't be surprised by your dog's reaction. Listen to what she is telling you.

Fears

Fears can be tricky. They can come on at any time and you may never figure out what triggered them. Most dogs at one time or another develop a fear of something whether it is another dog, a person or an object. You shouldn't assume that if your dog doesn't fear something right now that it won't ever happen.

Prevention

Expose your puppy or dog to new sights, sounds, people, dogs, other animals, kids, temperatures, noise levels, surfaces, etc. as much and as often as possible. This will build his overall confidence.

Recognizing a fearful dog

The most common signals a fearful dog will exhibit are:

• tail between the legs
• flattened ears
• excessive panting
• drooling
• whimpering
• shaking
• cowering
• frequent yawning
• hiding
• refusal to take food

Handling a fearful dog

There are many conflicting opinions about whether or not to comfort a dog in a fearful or anxious state. What should you do? Completely ignore your dog and let him deal with it by himself? Or make a big deal about it, feel sorry for him and in essence agree with his fear? Neither one of these options is very productive. Strive for something in between.

At the end of the day, you have to do what is right for you and your dog. Whatever you choose, how you feel is very important. If you feel bad and anxious, then your dog will pick up on those feelings. It's best to remain calm and relaxed.

Distraction

If your dog’s fear is minor (for example he gets anxious during a storm), you can engage him with a tasty treat, a command, a toy or some play time. Choose something your dog really enjoys to increase your chances of distracting him. All dogs have different likes so get to know what your dog’s favourite things are.

Massage

Massage can help relax an anxious dog. Start slowly with light, gentle long strokes from his head to tail. Once you feel him relax, make small circular motions with your fingers over his body and face. Massaging your dog has other benefits other than relaxing him. It’s important for dogs to be comfortable with human touch, especially when it’s time to go to the vet. It’s also a good opportunity for you to check for any abnormalities or lumps. Please note that a deep tissue massage requires knowledge of a dog’s anatomy and should only be given by a professional. Keep it gentle!

Desensitization

Expose your dog little by little to whatever he is afraid of. If your dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, start by giving treats, affection or a toy beside it while it’s turned off (only when your dog is relaxed around the object). Repeat this for several days before even turning it on. Then slowly graduate to adding the sound. This could take many tries but don’t give up.

* Always lead your dog to the object he fears, never push him towards it.

Confidence

Build your dog's overall confidence level with exercises like agility or doing obstacles. It’s good to take your dog downtown where there is noise of traffic, people and bicycles going by and different sights and smells. Reward your dog for being calm in new situations.

Trust

It may be time to go back to basics and practice your leadership skills. Pack animals naturally follow and trust their leader. It is important to have a bond with your dog. He has to trust that you will keep him safe and protected. Are you the leader?

Patience

Never yell or punish your dog for being afraid. You will only add to your dog’s fear.

Separation Anxiety

Does your dog have separation anxiety?

Dogs are social animals and don't like to be separated from their pack; that's why it's so important to treat coming and going as no big deal.

We now realize the way we treat our dogs has a direct connection to separation anxiety. Often our dogs are cuddled too much, spoiled and have no rules. Our intentions may be good but the results may be anything but.

Your Dog's Basic Needs

All dogs need plenty of exercise every day, mental stimulation and rules to follow. Of course it's important to show your dog affection, but affection is not just about hugging and petting. You can give your dog a massage, a toy, a game of fetch, the occasional treat and a calm environment. Remember affection should only be given when your dog is exhibiting a behaviour you agree with.

Prevent Separation Anxiety

Never pay attention to your dog when leaving or first returning home. The goal is for it to be no big deal that you come and go. This can be a real challenge for people. Just keep in mind that you will be helping your dog cope with your absence if you act more nonchalant about it.

Exercise also makes a big difference. Start the day with a long walk (try for a minimum of 30 minutes). This has wonderful benefits for you too! When you get home, feed your dog and calmly go about your business of getting ready to leave. You don't have to say goodbye, you won't hurt her feelings. You can leave the house feeling good that you have fulfilled your dog's needs for exercise, food and rest. Isn't that better than feeling guilty for leaving?

If you have a high energy dog, a 30 minute walk might not be enough. You will either have to increase the time or increase the intensity of those 30 minutes. You can do that by jogging, rollerblading or biking with your dog. Or find obstacles to go around or climb over such as big rocks, picnic tables or benches. Walking different routes will also add extra mental stimulation (new smells and sights). Maybe even end your walk with a game of fetch in the park or your backyard.

Confidence Building Exercises

Next time you are out walking find a place where you can safely tie your dog's leash. Walk out of your dog's sight for a few minutes. If your dog whines or barks while you are gone use a verbal correction "shh" in an assertive tone and walk calmly back to her. Continue on your walk and try again at another tree or bench. Once your dog successfully waits for you calmly, you can praise her. It could take many tries but don't give up. Your dog's confidence will build over time.

Also practice going out of the house for short periods of time.  Go out the front door, return by the back door. Do not talk to your dog during this exercise and always remain calm. Remember you can interrupt if she barks or whines with "shh" (or whatever works for you). Your assertive tone is more important that the actual sound or word you use.

Serious Cases of Separation Anxiety

If your dog's anxiety is so severe that she is damaging things and trying to get out of your house, you may consider a crate while you are working on the issue. If you do this you have to gradually get her used to it. This could take days or weeks. A crate should be a safe haven for a dog, not a confinement or punishment. So please if you are going this route, take the time to introduce it properly. And never put your dog in his crate in a rush, it'll benefit you both to be calm about it.

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