Dog Obedience Training
A few days ago I got an emergency call from a client, Clare, about a dog fight. Normally her two young dogs are best friends, but last week there was a big-time dogfight.
Concerned that this was not going to be an isolated incident, Clare called me for advice. She was totally mystified about what caused the dogfight.
Clare’s impression was that the problem simply “came out of nowhere!”
But when it comes to dog obedience training, in reality there were definite reasons why her dogs lost control, and dog behavior signs that indicated the dogs were getting edgy with each other. (For example, one of her dogs started growling when the other dog came in the room.)
Before I share the rest of the story, I’d like you to go and download this free dog obedience training audio course that I’ve put together for you. This audio course alone can solve some of the most common dog obedience issues most people are faced with, but I’m also going to throw in 16 dog training videos, 5 dog training manuals, and a lot more free stuff to help you out. Please make sure you do that right now.
Back to the story.
When Clare and I spoke, I had to remind her that her house was undergoing a significant renovation. Even if the project is managed perfectly, remodeling your home creates confusion and chaos.
It’s too bad, but the remodeling project was not going off without a hitch. Normally quiet and relaxed at home, instead Clare was tense and upset and had unhappy discussions with the subcontractor. And to make matters worse, this had been going on for a long time!
So What Happened that Made Clare’s Dog’s Act this Way?
Clare said, “But my dogs like each other! Her dogs normally play and sleep together with no problems.”
The plain truth is… dogs do not live in a vacuum. Dogs sense what’s going on around them and what the people close to them are feeling, thinking, and even experiencing. Clare’s dogs:
1. Watched Clare (who is usually calm) verbally confront a subcontractor many times,
2. Felt her unhappiness, anxiety, and anger,
3. Lived in remodeling chaos,
4. Missed dog classes, and
5. Wasn’t getting enough exercise. (Because it’s been 108 degrees in the shade for the past month, Clare did not take them for walks but just let them run in the backyard.)
Any of those reasons alone probably would not have triggered a fight, but when stacked on top of each other, the increasing level of stress broke down the relationship between two formerly friendly dogs.
Is This A Permanent Rift In The Dogs’ Relationship?
No. The remodeling is now finished. Peace is back in the house. Dog lessons and dog walks have restarted. It will take a little time, but things between the two dogs will go smoothly again.
Ask Yourself What Emotional Messages Are You Sending To Your Dog?
If you want to see how your emotions affect your dogs try this exercise from my book, Catch Your Dog Doing Something Right.
Invite your dog with you in a room. Shut the door. Sit on the floor. Do not talk, move, or gesture but think angry and unhappy thoughts for the first minute.
Then add words, sounds, and body language to your feelings.
However, do not direct them at the dog! During the next 30 seconds… feel the emotion pouring out.
* Does your dog come to you, try and avoid you, get anxious, or not pay attention to you?
* Do you notice that your dog’s reaction changes? Does the dog react more when you add words, feelings, and body language?
Now shift your thinking and start focusing on happy and exciting thoughts for 60 seconds. Then add words, sounds, and body language to your feelings. But, you don’t want to direct them at your dog! Now for the next 30 seconds or so, use a voice that’s happy…feel those emotions.
* Does the dog come up to you, avoid you, get nervous, or ignore you?
* Can you see your dog’s reaction differ? Does the dog react more when you add words, feelings, and body language?
This is a simple way to show you just how much of an impact your voice and attitude has on your dog. If you’re upset after a bad day at work or stressed because of an argument with your spouse, neighbor, or daughter, or you simply stub your toe, your dog can sense it. Tension is something that dogs absorb.
If you ever see dominant behaviors such as – one dog placing his chin on the other dog’s shoulders, growling or snarling if the other dog comes into the room, toy or food bowl guarding, super erect ears or tail – these are behavior signs that demand immediate action. Search out the reasons behind this assertion of dominance and bring the relationships back into balance with training, food changes, regular exercise, increasing your presence as leader of the pack, and calling a professional when you just can’t figure it out.
Also, be sure to go and download the free dog obedience training audio course (and the videos and workbooks) I mentioned above. They’ve helped thousands of dog owners get control of their dogs, and they’ll do the same for you!