Dogs Are From Sirius....

Part 5 -- Tag! You're It!

If you've read the previous articles on communication and social organization of canines, you know that when the social hierarchy of a pack is established and maintained, there is harmony within the group. Everyone's needs are met. No one has unreasonable expectations of anyone else. Tension and stress become nearly nonexistent. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this stress-free life could be transferred when a dog becomes part of a human family?

It can be done, of course. The first thing one needs is a pack leader.

Tag! You're it!

It's all in the attitude. Alphas are neither whimps nor bullies. They are the most confident dog in the pack, without a constant need to prove themselves. They communicate by subtle signals -- a flick of an ear or a stare. As the human leader in your pack, you would be well advised to emulate the alpha's subtleties. Here's how:

1. Know in your heart that it's okay for you to assume leadership. You are utterly responsible for your dog's well being. You feed it. You brush it. You provide medical care. You let him sleep in your house. You love him. It is not unreasonable to ask your dog to conform to your house rules. Once your dog conforms to your rules he will be further rewarded by being included in places an uncontrolled wild man would be shunned: the living room, when company comes, family outtings and vacations. Besides, your dog doesn't really want the pack leader job, anyway.

2. Practice the 3 Cs: stay calm, controlled, and centered. Your dog is a master at reading body language and will reflect , to some degree, any emotion you are experiencing. If you feel that you are losing it, take a time out. Not for the dog -- for you.

3. Give your commands in a normal tone of voice. A dog's hearing is most acute and they will pay more attention to a whisper than a shout. Save the volume for the rare time that you might really need it.

4. Be assertive, and not aggressive. Demand sweetly. Become a steel magnolia. Give a single word command, give it once and only give it if you can enforce it.

5. Be fair to your dog. Make sure he understands what you want before you demand he complies. Instruct before you correct.

6. Do not correct for mistakes; correct for disobedience.

7. Praise (verbal) instead of petting (physical) for jobs well done, right decisions made, and honest attempts to understand what you're trying to teach.

8. Touch your dog all over, including mouth, tongue, teeth and all the stuff on the other end. Lift up each paw and touch each toe,

9. Stand up straight. Don't bend or bow to your dog.

10. Use direct stares judiciously.

11. Do not get out of your dog's way. Move him gently but firmly out of your path and don't move out of his. It's not likely that he will crash into you more than once. After that, he will go around you, as he would any other inanimate object with which forceful contact would result in his having a concussion.

12. Do not accept any dominant gestures from him, including 'humping' your leg or any other part of your anatomy.

13. Do not allow your dog to go through a doorway ahead of you. Have him sit first. Same for getting in the car.

14. Adopt the 'no free lunch' mentality. For every good thing you give your dog, patting, praise, food, have him or her do something to earn it first. A recall, a sit, a down, a trick -- something.

The handler makes the dog. Look to yourself before 'blaming' your dog for not doing what you want. Go over the checklist above to see if you've missed something, or whether you've communicated something through subconscious body language. Most dogs will work to please you -- as long as you are clear in communicating what you want.

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