In my last blog, I answered some questions that I am asked on a regular basis, in order to introduce any new readers or viewers to who I am and what I do. So if you are a new fan of the show, or just a dog lover unfamiliar with my methods, here are the answers that may shed some light on why they call me "The Dog Whisperer!"
How can I get my dog
to change? How do YOU do it?
You need to understand your dog. That is where you need to
start. People humanize
their dogs and think of them as little furry people, and when they do that,
they are missing out on fulfilling the most important part of their dog - the
animal. If you understand the pack mentality, show your dog that you are the
pack leader, fulfill them with exercise,
discipline, and affection (in that order!) and give them clear rules,
boundaries, and limitations, you can begin to see the changes you desire.
What is the "pack
mentality?"
Dogs are pack animals
in nature. That instinct is there, even in domestic dogs. The pack unit is
just the way a dog relates to other dogs. You can turn your family into your
dog's pack, but it is important that all human family members be seen as pack
leaders. This does not occur through
force or intimidation, but through your steady confidence and your calm-assertive
energy. If your pack is stable and balanced, your dog will follow your
lead.
What's the most
common mistake people make with their dog?
They don't develop that pack-follower/pack-leader
relationship immediately. If your pack doesn't have a clearly defined leader,
your dog can become confused and try to fill that role himself. That's where a
lot of behavior
problems come from - instability in the pack. Another big mistake is
thinking that your dog needs love and affection before it needs that stability.
Fulfill your dog's physical and psychological needs first, THEN provide affection.
Thanks for reading!
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