By Kate Jackson
Most of us share our lives with dogs so that we can love them, and receive their love in return. But the average person doesn’t stop to think that they way humans express love can be very confusing to a dog.
Many dog owners treat their dogs like small people dressed in furry coats. This fulfills our natural human tendency to bestow affection, and privileges on the creatures that we love, which gives us a sense of wellbeing. If our dogs were in fact small people dressed in furry coats, these actions would be well-received and reciprocated by our pets in the same way.
Unfortunately, our dogs are not human, and they do not understand our human intentions. Instead, dogs interpret our indulgences, affection, and privileges as signals from us that they are the true leaders, and that we are weak and lack leadership skills. For a dog to truly thrive in an environment, he needs to have his basic needs of a canine pack fulfilled, and the fundamental building block in a canine pack is leadership. Leadership creates a sense of “doggie security,” allowing dogs to be self-confident and comfortable. It is impossible to be a leader while burdening your dog with your human needs. Without leadership from you, your dog will feel that he must take on that role himself, and other behavioral issues will appear.
So, how can you fulfill your own need for love and affection (the reason you have a dog in the first place!), while still reassuring your dog that you are a capable leader, and he doesn’t have to be in charge? Small, simple changes. The most important concept is “Nothing in life worth anything is for free.” |
For all petting, privileges, meals, and treats, require a simple task in return from your dog. Ask for a sit before you pet your dog. Require a down before each meal. Command your dog to stay before throwing the tennis ball. These habits reinforce to your dog that you have placed a price tag on the things that they find valuable, including interaction with their leader (you).
By applying these simple tasks, you will strike a balance that will satisfy both your human needs and your dog’s needs as a canine living in a human world.
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