Most people don’t realize that dogs come to our homes knowing entirely different rules than the ones we like. Things we value – like polite greetings, calm behavior, leaving our food alone – just don’t make sense to dogs. In their social world, enthusiasm and grabbing food that’s right in front of them are both normal and logical. So are chewing, barking, digging, and chasing. Even biting is a normal dog behavior, to your dog.
Unless you teach him, your dog WON’T know better. Vets are clear now that the “alpha dog” training model, which was based on dominance and punishment, should not be used. Corrections like collar jerks, shocks, and alpha rolls may stop a behavior in the moment, but they can have serious negative consequences. They build anxiety, which can lead to aggression and destructive habits. And they don’t teach your dog anything that you want him to do. They simply teach him that you are to be feared. That’s the wrong message, and it sets him up for failure.
Your dog needs help to understand our world. He is a master observer, and he will learn your habits with no difficulty. But without training, you’re asking him to play an unpleasant game of blind-man’s bluff. He is sure to make mistakes and misjudgments. He’ll be slower to learn things you want him to know. For example, if you see him eliminating in the house, and you get angry about it, he might not understand that he should go outside next time, but instead that he should hide from you. Your closet might become his preferred hiding place for eliminating. Talk about a misunderstanding!
Please don’t hold your dog responsible for living under your rules without explaining them to him. By doing this you’ll be giving him two great gifts: fantastic skills to use every day – and confidence. You’ll have the most popular dog on the block. And your best buddy will love you forever.
- DO spend time showing him what you want him to do instead of punishing him for what he does wrong.
- DO teach him some basic skills, like giving you his attention, coming when called, sitting to greet, settling, and relaxing on a mat. Like keeping four on the floor when visitors come.
For more information on these topics, contact us: info@spry.dog
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