His methods are developed from his full understanding of how dogs think, act and react. He totally understands dog psychology. That is amazing because I don't even understand human psychology! Maybe animal psychology is much less complex.
Wolves (origin of dogs before domestication) in the wild move in packs and each pack has a pack leader. The establishment of a pack leader brings balance to the pack. The leader leads and the others follow. No questions asked, no answers given. When a member of the pack misbehaves, he is quickly put in place by the leader.
So, we bring home a dog and the family becomes his pack. As the puppy grows up, he quickly learns that he very easily is able to establish himself as the pack leader. His actions are seen as "cute" and soon, he reigns supreme! The human members are held hostage to his wants and needs and he very often gets his way with them. The best part of this is that WE humans THINK we are the boss.
Dog comes with doleful eyes and puts head on your lap and gets patted - score 1. He rolls over and gets a tummy rub - score 2. He scratches the door and gets let out - score 3. He hovers around during meal times and gets a treat - score 4. He barks joyfully and jumps up and down licking you and gets a hug and a pat - score 5. He pulls you and dictates where he wants to go on his walk - score 6. He stares at the car and gets a ride - score 7. He barks, snarls and snaps at your friends and soon, nobody comes by - score 8. Final score? Dog - 8, Human - 0.
[I have used "he" for the dog, but believe me, "she" can be as bad if not worse!]
Leadership in a pack is critical to the pack's survival in the wild. Without a clear leader, fights break out and chaos rules. How strange that we can say the same of any organization and home! But, there are leaders and there are leaders - reluctant leaders, pseudo leaders, leaders-in-name leaders, ill equipped leaders, blur leaders, tyrannical leaders, etc.
Leaders become leaders when they are respected. Even in the dog-human world: A dog must respect his human leader. Jumping all over you is NOT a show of respect. Demanding attention and love is NOT respect. Being obedient and following your lead IS respect.
Well, good to think about it. Who is the leader in your "pack"? If YOU are the leader, do you behave like a leader? Are you respected as the leader? If you are not the leader, then are you a good and obedient follower? Do you show respect for your leader?
And now, turn and look at your dog with new eyes ...
The Dog Whisperer is on Discovery Channel 411 on Wednesdays at 6pm (season 2) and 10pm (season 3).
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