Every household is unique, and each member has a role to play in everyday life. For dog owners, it's important to remember that our furry companions are important members of the family who contribute to the household with their fixed roles and responsibilities.
Historical Context
In the past, dogs had specific jobs to do such as guarding the house, taking care of livestock, herding, hunting, and retrieving. Dogs were not treated like surrogate children and were not allowed on the furniture to preserve it. They lived in a consistent, stable structure, and breeders still bred dogs for their working abilities.
However, with the rise of the pet food industry and increased wealth, dogs began to be treated more like kings and queens. Owners gave in to their every beck and call, providing them with more freedom than they would their own children. As a result, dogs are frequently treated like group leaders, which can lead to phobias and psychological disorders.
The Importance of a Good Leader
Dogs have a definite pecking order, and they need a leader to feel secure and avoid stress. Being a strong, dependable, consistent, non-confrontational leader is essential to your dog's well-being.
Dogs thrive in a social structure that relies on posturing, social ritual, and avoiding confrontation. As such, it's important for pet parents to learn how to become kind and benevolent leaders, or role models, for their dogs. Once the leadership role has been established, most dogs will develop a more relaxed and confident demeanor with a strong desire to please their new role models.
Signs of a Good Leader
A good leader is strong, dependable, consistent, and non-confrontational. By following these guidelines, pet parents can appear as leaders who know the posturing and social rituals that make sense to their dogs. This can help dogs feel more secure and confident in their roles.
Leadership Behaviors to Avoid
Old-school confrontational training methods, such as the alpha roll-over, scruff shake, and direct eye stare, are now known to be extremely threatening behaviors that a sane leader would only use as a last resort and not as a way of "training" or relating. Avoiding confrontation is very important to dogs.
When a dog looks to his family unit for a leader and sees no leader, he may feel forced to fill the position himself. This can lead to aggressive behavior and stress. To prevent this from happening, pet parents must establish themselves as the leaders and not allow their dogs to take on the role themselves.
Signs that Your Dog is a Leader
Dogs that are forced into the leadership role may become pushy at the front door, attain the most central and elevated sleeping station, require that they not be disturbed when resting, bark at anything they think needs barking at for as long as they think it needs barking at, and have first access to food and toys. It's important to identify these behaviors and take steps to establish yourself as the leader.
Conclusion
Being a good leader for your dog is essential for their well-being. By following these guidelines, pet parents can establish themselves as strong, dependable, and consistent leaders who know the posturing and social rituals that make sense to their dogs. With a good leader, dogs can feel secure, confident, and happy as valued members of the family.
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