"I’m Boss"

 

Why does it matter?

 

Dogs are social animals. They live in packs with a defined structure. In a stable pack everyone knows their position, top dogs make the rules and everyone is happy. In an unstable pack, no-one is sure who is pack leader, the rules are not clear and there is a lot of unrest and infighting.

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Humans are also social animals, with very similar pack structure. This is why dogs and humans have lived together so well for many thousands of years. Unfortunately, as we have become more reliant on technology, our basic social skills have decreased. Many human packs consist of only 3 or 4 people, often living far away from relatives, so the extended family has almost died out. As a result we often find it difficult to think in simple logic and have problems controlling the dogs in our pack.

 

This guide aims to help us put this right - please read all of it before starting to modify your dog’s behaviour.

 

Virtually all dogs have dominant tendencies, and in the absence of an effective pack leader they will assume the role themselves. Dogs are generally more dominant than bitches (although in a mixed sex pack a bitch is generally pack leader) However, most dogs (male and female) are not natural leaders, and will happily give up the role to anyone who proves themselves more worthy. It is up to you to do so!

 

How do I become boss?

 

If not already done, get your dog castrated. His un-necessary testosterone may get in the way of re-training. Basically, you start doing all the things that the boss should do (obviously minus the urinating to mark your territory) and stop your dog from doing them. By following the guidelines below you can remove your dog from his pedestal, he will be much happier once you are truly in control. Always praise submissive behaviour. Dominant behaviour should be ignored initially in a very dominant dog; as you reach the dizzy heights of the pack leader you can start to correct it. Sound easy? It is! BUT: Please read the entire leaflet before starting.

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CONTROLLING FOOD

 

1. Do not feed your dog until after you have eaten. The best approach is to make your dog’s food, eat your meal, then feed your dog. If your dog is a pest at mealtimes, then he believes he should be fed first. Shut him out of the room to start with. If it is not possible to eat your meal first, make sure you eat something (such as a biscuit) in front of him before you feed him, and never immediately after him.

2. Do not give up your food to your dog by feeding him leftovers, put them in his bowl after you have finished your meal. If your dog will not allow you to approach him while he is eating, leave well alone until you have controlled all other behaviours. Trying to take food from the boss is a very bad move and you are likely to get bitten. The dog only needs to win in this situation once; he will lose any respect for you and you will lose confidence. Ask a trainer for help.

 

CONTROLLING SPACE

 

1. Don’t allow your dog to go through doorways ahead of you. Put him on a lead and teach him to wait.

2. Don’t walk round your dog - even if he is sleeping. Tell him to move (If your dog objects, put him on a lead whilst you are in the house so that you can gently, but firmly, enforce your wishes)

3. Don’t allow your dog in the bedrooms, especially not on the bed (this is where most owners get bitten) Keep him off the furniture (if necessary use the long lead, give the command and then enforce it straight away by removing him with the lead) Do not grab your dog by it’s collar, this is a very dominant act and he may try to protect himself and his position.

4. Move your dog’s bed as far away from your bedroom as possible. Don’t put it in a corner which is easily guarded, and move it regularly. In time you should be able to sit in your dog’s bed whenever the fancy takes you. With a very dominant dog, consider using a blanket rather than a bed for a while. This can be taken up during the day, and easily moved around the house.

 

CONTROLLING PLAY

 

1. Remove all your dog’s toys.

2. Several times a day, get a toy out and play with your dog. After a few minutes put the toy away again. People often think this is mean; it is not, as you will probably be giving your dog more attention than before. You will be playing with him, rather than absent-mindedly letting him play with you. Your dog should still have something to chew on, particularly if you go out or if he has not finished teething.

3. Make sure that you win games, so you end up with the toy. Avoid tug-of-war until you have taught your dog to ‘give’ on command, (a titbit may help) and don’t play it at all with very dominant dogs. If your dog runs off and hides with toys, put him on a long lead and gently bring him back to you. Teaching your dog to retrieve is very useful (subordinate gets goody and brings it back to boss)

4. Do not allow your dog to demand attention. Ignore his advances and praise him when he settles down. You may give your dog attention, but on your terms, you tell the dog to come to you. Teach your dog to lay down on command and praise his obedience.

 

CONTROLLING HYGIENE

 

1. Groom your dog regularly. It need only be for a few seconds to start with. Please ask if you need advice on suitable equipment and how to restrain your dog. Ignore his protestations and reward him (e.g. with his dinner) immediately afterwards.

2. Prevent your dog from marking every blade of grass once it is obvious he has emptied his bladder.

 

YOUR POSTURE

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1. Stand up straight and look directly at your dog when talking to him.

2. Don’t let your dog get a height advantage over you. Don’t lie on your back on the floor and let your dog stand over you (this is absolute submission from you) Don’t sit on the floor while your dog is on the sofa. Don’t attempt to discipline a dog who is at the top of the stairs whilst you are only half way up. Avoid picking up small dogs - especially not if they demand it. Teach your dog to lie down on command.

3. Don’t let your dog win a stare-out. Distract its gaze with a toy or by clicking your fingers. Praise when it looks away.

 

So now you’re Boss.

 

It’s taken a few weeks, and quite a bit of self-discipline. By now you should be seeing an improvement in your dog’s general level of obedience.

 

Now… How do I stay Boss?

 

You will need to reinforce yourself as a pack leader. If your dog is extremely dominant you will need to maintain all the rules, and you should have the dog castrated [a bitch is far less likely to be dominant] Castration is an aid to controlling dominance, it is not an alternative to training.

If your dog is not quite so dominant, you will be able to relax some of the rules (you choose which ones, not the dog) but always be prepared to reinstate them if your dog tries to push its luck!

Now that you are pack leader, you need to let the dog know that its position is at the bottom of the pack. Gradually you should promote the rest of your family by paying attention to them before the dog. This is easily done when the dog is fed after the family meal. Each member of the family should gradually expect the dog to give away to them as he now does to you.

Teach basic obedience, and practise a few exercises each day. With plenty of praise it becomes an enjoyable game for the dog. It exercises his mind and body as well as reminding him of his position in the pack.

 

DOG to DOG AGGRESSION

 

If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs, then you are not pack leader. Your dog does not believe that you are capable of protecting the pack. First of all you must teach all your dogs that you are boss. Then your dog will understand that it does not bite without your permission.

Your dog must learn to look to you to sort its problems out, and a good recall will help.

 

AND FINALLY:

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This program can be used to re-educate most dogs If your dog is already being aggressive towards you, you may need to keep it on a long lead, or to remove it from the room to carry out some points. At all times avoid confrontation - if your dog is convinced he is top dog he may fight to defend his position. If your dog has already bitten you, or you think it mite do so if you attempt to follow these guidelines -

 

PLEASE ASK FOR ADVICE

Some dogs get their own way by pretending to be submissive - generally falling on their backs to avoid obeying a command. These are intelligent dominant dogs - don’t let them win

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REMEMBER

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Once a Faith dog, always a Faith dog... We WILL support you and the dog along your whole journey together.