How dogs work mentally

The following information is designed to help you understand how dogs work mentally and how you need to be to control their behaviour.

I believe the only way to truly change or train a dogs behaviour is to work with its natural instinct. If you try to go against its instincts the dog will automatically shut down and not respond to your training. There are many theories and training systems being used today but what we have to remember as dog owners is that in the wild, every dog in the pack has a position/job. This will range from the dominant Male or Female to the lowest level of sentry. The dogs that perform in a superior manner, regardless of his position in the pack will receive recognition from pack leaders. The "lower ranking" work hard to be appreciated. The strongest of the "lower ranking" are rewarded with appreciation from their seniors. Those who don't fulfil their purpose for the pack are banished or shunned. This is "pack life." So as long as the natural desires and needs of the pack and individual are provided for, they will be happy and content with their position. In this letter I am going to explain how you use this basic pack instinct in training dog’s behaviour.

Times have changed for the dog, gone are the days they could just roam and do their own thing all day long and then come back to the home at night to be feed. There were less aggressive dog attacks 40 or 50 years ago than there is today. This is due to the control of dog laws that have been brought in by the government over the last few years. Do not get me wrong they are the correct laws; however some of these laws have been taken to the extreme by some owners and made some dogs less sociable than ever before. Dogs are highly social animals, and their behavioural patterns account for their trainability, playfulness, and ability to fit into human households and social situations.

Much of the dog’s natural instinctive behaviour revolves around learning how to interact with other members of their species. This is where we sometimes slip up as dog owners, it all goes back to the pack instinct. If any individual of the pack does not fulfil their obligation to the pack, for whatever reason, the other lower ranking members will challenge him for his spot. If we do not give them the opportunity to socialise and interact with the own species and show leadership when doing so, we are not fulfilling their basic need. If we show any weakness to our dog, in its own head it has to take over as leader whether it wants to or not because there must be strong leadership within the pack. The domestic dog prefers living in a social environment, and generally considers us humans as part of their family/pack. As puppies, the playing with other family members and other animals is important as it teaches them how to properly interact. Helping your dog to gently and consistently know what acceptable behavior is will help him/her be more comfortable. If we do not show them or tell them what is expected of them it can be very stressful for them, and can send mixed messages.

The number one mistake we as dog owners make is that we treat them like humans. The human race is such a kind and compassionate species. We look at our canine companions as being the same, but in reality they are animals. The mistake is made when we only give affection to our dogs. We miss out the key factors that a dog needs in its life. To a dog, constant affection without rules or having to work for it goes against its instinct. They have to fulfil their instincts everyday to feel balanced and happy. We as dog owners/pack leaders have to provide this balance in order for them to achieve this. Giving affection is important but it must be done at the correct time.

Dogs pick up on energy; they can tell whether we are excited, nervous, scared or calm. We can only successfully communicate with our dogs if we use our body’s energy rather than excited words. For example if our dog does something wrong and we yell and scream at them, it confuses the dog and can create a fearful response. This not the way the pack leader corrects his followers. Humans often give the dog mixed leadership signals, which throw the dog off balance, confusing them and in turn causing many psychological and behavioural problems we see in dogs today. This is some of the common behavioural problems we see in dogs. Messing in the house, obsessions (toys, food, bone ect), chewing, separation anxiety, over excitement, excessive barking, whining, not listening to their owners voice, no recall, chasing, aggression towards other animals and aggression towards humans and this is just to name a few.

If you calmly and assertively correct the dog at the moment he is doing the unwanted behaviour with a touch, then this they will understand. They understand because you are using the same discipline that pack leader or another dog would use to correct them. An important thing to remember is that the dog must be doing the deed at the time of correction for you to successfully communication with it. When you open up these lines of communication with your dog, it can't help but impact on the entire relationship and bond you share. The advantage of working with a dog’s natural instinct in your training is that you create an environment where your dog chooses to work with you and doesn't feel intimidated or forced to perform under the threat of violence. In many cases you have to replicate how dogs interact with each other, working with Mother Nature and with the natural instincts that drive the dog. It's a give and take process, just like any functional, working relationship. If you use your observation skills, watch them, listen, identify, interpret and develop an understanding of the dog’s actions, feelings and needs. If you also use your energy, voice in a soft tone, subtle movements (body language) and scent - in a consistent, reliable manner. You can be sure that the dogs involved will be studying and picking up on all of these gestures, regardless of how subtle they may appear to be. Training like this is motivational, non violent and based on repetition and positive reinforcement. Knowing what normal dog behaviour is will help you understand why your dog does what he or she does.

The human race has successfully domesticated the dog, but we have never managed to totally de-animalise the dog and remove their strong natural instinct. We cannot change a dog into having human characteristics as much as we like to think we can. We can pretend we can fulfil our own needs in doing so, however this where the behavioural problems begin. While we think we are treating a dog in such a way that it is happy, we are actually creating the opposite in most cases. By not fulfilling the dog’s natural instincts i.e. walking, rules, boundaries and limitations we are creating a confused and very unhappy dog. To happily coexist with our dogs we need to understand their needs first. Dogs do not live in the past and they do not think about the future, they live in the moment and they live for the moment. They do not premeditate their behaviour and they do not rationalise their behaviour either. They use particular behaviour traits, which they think is the right way to be at that particular moment. In my mind if you begin to treat your dog with calm energy and correct the unwanted behaviour and show them at that moment what they should be doing then you can fully re-train a dog’s behaviour using the strength of it’s natural instinct to your advantage.

Hopefully this has given you an insight into how dogs work and how you have to be with your dog at all times. Remember I can change your dog’s behaviour you will need to continue the work once the dog comes home. I have enclosed also three handouts one being the Canine Coaching Leadership Program. You need to read this as this will be you guild to becoming a good pack leader.

Canine Coaching leadership program

 Like children, dogs need guidelines and boundaries. Good leadership will earn your dog's respect and help him to feel secure. Here are a few ways to establish leadership:

1. The Leader Controls The Resources. Just as parents control allowance, curfew and use of the car, you should control all the "good stuff" when it comes to your dog. Start with food and play:

Food is an incredibly valuable resource. As such, it should come from you, not from that round thing that is always magically full! Feed twice daily, rather than leaving food down. If your dog does not eat after ten minutes, pick the food up and put it away. Most dogs, even those previously free-fed, will quickly adapt to the new routine; no dog will starve himself. (If your dog is tiny, hypoglycemic, or has medical issues, check with your vet before switching to scheduled feedings.) For dogs with severe leadership issues or to kick-start your program, hand-feed meals (a few pieces at a time) for two weeks. Have your dog sit, shake, or down to get each handful of food.

Control toys and games. Leave your dog with a few toys, but reserve the really special ones for when you are present. Bring them out periodically and play with your dog. Now you are also the source of all fun! Note: Playing tug is fine as long as you control the game, and your dog knows "Drop it" (aka "Out"). Bring out the toy; start to play. Periodically freeze, followed by saying, "Drop it." When your dog releases, wait a beat, say, "Take it" and resume the game. (If at any time teeth touch skin, say, "Too bad!" and put the toy away.) When you have finished playing, put the toy away out of your dog's reach.

2. Put Your Dog on a Learn to Earn Program. That means he must do something for you in order to earn anything that is valuable to him. If your dog wants to be petted, ask him to sit first. If he's already sitting, ask him to lie down. Then pet. Have him sit (or do another behavior he knows) before meals, treats, walks, tossing the ball, and anything else he finds valuable.

3. Furniture Privileges - Yes or No? If there are no leadership issues and he will get down when asked, no problem! He can come up when invited. For dogs who are pushy and think they're in charge, no couch/bed privileges until leadership is better established, and then only when invited.

4. Control the Space. If your dog zigzags in front as you walk, crowds you as you sit, or otherwise intrudes on your space, that's not very polite! Leaders control space. For zigzaggers, keep your feet firmly on the floor and shuffle right on through. Your dog will learn to move when legs approach. If you are standing and your dog crowds you, use your lower body to gently push him away. If you are sitting, fold your arms and gently move him away using your upper arm or forearm -- do not speak or look at him as you do so. (Teaching "Off" is also helpful.) At doorways (until your dog has learned to "Wait" or "Back up"), either push your dog aside gently with your lower body or step in front to block his path. It is not necessary that you always pass through doorways first, but it should be your choice, and shoving is never acceptable!

5. Training. Practice obedience exercises and incorporate them into your everyday life. Down-stays are especially good for establishing leadership. Keep practice sessions short and frequent.

6. Handling. Teach your dog to accept handling. Do daily massage, including paws, ears and mouth. This practice also makes for easier groomer/veterinary visits and alerts you to any physical abnormalities. (If your dog has issues about being handled, address them with a trainer's help.)

7. Good leaders are not bullies! Reprimand verbally when necessary, then forgive and move on. Never use scruff-shakes, jerking, hitting or other harsh physical corrections. Use assertive discipline not punishment to let your dog know what is right and what is wrong. Above all, be a calm and patient pack leader.