Leader of the pack
The following exercise programme will help establish you as leader of your pack and will produce a happier dog and family!
When coming home, or even when returning to your dog after a short break, smile, say “hello” quietly but do not make a fuss or pet him. Quietly go about your business, such as hanging up the coat, putting your slippers on, make a cup of tea, open your post etc, Then greet all other members of the family. Ignore your dog until he is calm. If he jumps up at you, simply turn away or push down if needed, but do not look at him or say anything. Once he is calm, call him over to you ask for a sit and then make a calm fuss of him.
Wait for the dog to settle, and then call it over after a few minutes on your terms to give a calm rub and praise. Be sure to ask your dog politely to sit when it approaches you for this affection and interaction. Make your dog work more for his affection and general interactions with you. Adopt the idea of Nothing in Life Is Free (NILIF) and his attitude should improve. Get your dog to do short sits and downs for you at random times before he gets something in return: water, a meal, door opening, or a pat on the head. The list is endless!
Leaders go first. It is also an important safety measure. Insist that the dog is not going anywhere until it is sitting nice and calmly. Open the door just an inch or two and again wait for calm. The door can then be opened more and more until you are able to make an exit slowly. Each time the dog tries to go first, shut the door again. Keep trying until you can get outside, stand on the step and look back at the dog. Count to five in silence to create a small wait, then call the dog on with a quiet but encouraging voice.
4)
Keeping the dog calm.
To keep your dog calm, it’s important to remain relaxed, avoiding eye contact
with the dog. Slow everything right down.
In the
evenings, place a bed for your dog near where you sit and encourage him to lie
on it. Gradually increase the time the dog lies on the bed until he will stay
put for half and hour or even more.
Good
quality foods tend to cost more than the supermarket equivalents, but you can be
sure of a ‘clean’ diet for your dog free of unhealthy additives.
I recommend Burns, James Wellbeloved, Arden Grange, Nutro, Nature Diet, or
Nature’s Menu. Each brand has a web site and will allow you to find a local
stockist.
You can add in fresh vegetables to add extra vitamins and minerals along with
added interest. Try adding water from boiling your vegetables too;
my dogs find this a real treat! The occasional bit of fruit can also add
interest and good nutrition. Grating these in raw is best, lightly cooking them
is acceptable too.
When making a change of diet, do this over four or five days to prevent stomach upsets or a down turn in appetite.
Leaders eat first. So ideally eat your
meal first, and then feed your dog.
Your dog should sit at a nice distance as you prepare his
food. Place the bowl on the floor as you firmly tell him to wait. (A
helper may be needed initially to hold the collar or lead at first as you place
the food down.) Count to five, and then allow him to get his food with an
encouraging voice. Leave the dog in peace and quiet at this time. Lift up any
remaining feed once the dog has moved away. Fresh water should be supplied at
all times, remembering daily bowl hygiene.
Whilst working on your leadership, I suggest the dog is not allowed on the furniture. Later on (once you are much happier with the overall behaviour) you can ask your dog to sit politely, pause for a few seconds and then only comes up when you say so. I strongly recommend your dog sleeps in a safe place downstairs.
Carol Clark Down Dog 2008