Dog Owner Leadership

                         Can Solve Behavior Problems

Do dogs misbehave because they are mad at you or ticked? Do dogs misbehave intentionally or because they are just bad dogs. No, dogs always want to do the right thing!

The problem that causes the most trouble is that owners do not know how to lead. They would rather scold, yell, punish and teach the dog what not to do. Maybe dogs want to be taught what to do! Treating the symptoms without knowing the cause will create more bad behaviors.

Dogs misbehave because the human does not know where each dog and human ranks within the pack. This causes the biggest behavior problem with dogs in a human home. Dogs are pack animals and must have structure, period.

We at Palmetto Canine Training teach a leadership program that teaches dog owners how to lead, using dog language the way a dog understands and communicates with each other.

These are some common behavior problems dogs learn because of little or no leadership on the owners part.

Scent Marking, House wetting, Biting, Chewing, Jumping up, Aggression, Will not listen, Rivalry within the pack and many more.

The Alpha or highest-ranking dog or human in the group is responsible for all pack members. This means protecting, supervising and overseeing daily activities.

No subordinate dog is allowed to display dominant behavior over a leader (superior). Leaders protect their belongings and keep lower-status dogs in line using: facial expressions, showing teeth, growling, even nips, pinches or serious bites.

A human who is highest in rank is required to maintain his position by protesting any dominant handling by lower-ranking, dogs and guard his property.

Any group of people and dogs residing in a house will result in the formation of a pack. A ranking order will naturally establish itself. The one who is the most persistent usually end up as a pack leader. The dogs see their position as we are one pack united, humans think we are one family and a few dogs. This difference causes confusion and disharmony. The highest ranking dog or human is granted the most privileges by the rest of the pack and becomes the pack leader, the less persistent less dominant individuals rank lower with fewer privileges or none at all.

If you are the human (Leader) in your pack and have more than one dog you cannot choose who ranks next in line. The dogs have to work this out on their own. You can have no favorites.

The big question is How Do I Achieve the position of Alpha Leader in a pack of humans and dogs? This is where our expertise in training and behavior will help you understand and teach you the importance of the social order.

When you and your dog are trained at Palmetto Canine Training you will receive this information and much more. No dog and human are to old to train. We have proved that over the last ten years.

If your dog nips, bucks or plainly does not listen if you try to get him off the couch, bed or any object he is on or runs ahead of you on a walk. Your dog has decided he's the pack leader or "alpha".

Dogs are social animals who's social system is a "pack" with a highly structured hierarchy. The Leader or Top Dog eats the best food, sleeps in the best place and always goes first in the pack. Some dogs will assume their proper place in the hierarchy while others will challenge authority in a manner to become alpha.

If you treat your dog as an equal you are encouraging your dog to challenge authority. Sleeping on the couch or bed, feeding him first, letting him lead you are examples and more.

It doesn't matter what size or how pleasant and good the alpha may be but when challenged, the alpha will quickly put the challenger in his place usually with a stare or growl or bite. We call it instinctive behavior. In the human family it can be dangerous and unacceptable. (A few years ago I trained a dog from New Orleans that weighed about 12 pounds) this particular dog thought he weighed 75-100lbs. He was the most dominant Alpha leader I have seen-to-date. To make a long story short it took me eight weeks working every day to teach him obedience and correct his behavior. He was not a bad dog he was just looking for a strong pack leader.

HOW TO BECOME LEADER OF YOUR PACK

Your dog reads your body language and watches you constantly. If you're uncomfortable in a leadership role or won't enforce a command he knows.

"Alpha" involves quiet confidence, dignity, authority and attitude. AS a professional trainer/behaviorist I understand I must stand tall, use voices and eyes to project the idea that I am capable of getting what I want. I am gentle but firm. This type of personality brings immediate submission and respects the Alpha.

Without understanding the rules of Alpha and becoming Alpha; you, your dog and family will never have control of the pack. With a training program in obedience and behavior you, your dog and family will live peacefully and enjoy each other with the proper attitude, respect, fairness and above all loyalty.

Did you know an alpha dog knows that he can beat you in a physical fight, so using aggression won't work - and can be downright dangerous to you. Using non-violent methods of putting him back at the bottom of the hierarchy the whole family has to be involved. A dog that bites or threatens people is dangerous, no matter how much you love him.

ALPHA (human) ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

When your dog left his mother at an early age who was there to replace her? The mother dog teaches the pup where to potty, he has to earn what he eats, what gets praise, and nothing is for free.

No more free feeding. Make him work for food. Don't tell him a command more than once. (Without a leash, you have no control over him and he knows it.)

Within a true dog pack, subordinate dogs touch, lick and groom the alpha dog to show respect and submission. If your dogs attitude does not improve, cut down on the petting. Do not give him attention when he wants it. Do not get down on the floor with your dog. This, too, is a show of submission.

No wrestling or tug-of-war this encourages dominance and to use their teeth.

No sleeping on the bed or sofa until at least your dog's alpha problems are fully under control, all furniture is off-limits.

A crate is a great place for a dog to sleep eat and have a time-out. The crate is your dog's "den".

A dog who accepts humans as superiors will approach with his head slightly lowered and his ears back or off to the sides. Social climbers will need a strong leader thru-out-their-life or they will climb back to the leadership position. All family members who are old enough to understand and control the dog should participate in training.

Obedience training is a lifelong process.

Dogs want to please and need a job to do. Training gives them the opportunity to do both. A well-trained dog can go more places with you because he knows how to behave. A well-trained dog who's secure in his place in the family pack is content; he knows what's expected of him. He's free to be your loving companion and not your boss. He's free to be a dog and this is what he wants more than anything!

WITH ALL THIS TO CONSIDER LET US HELP YOU IN OUR TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR PROGRAMS. WE GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE PLEASED.