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The following is a guest post by that fount of creative ideas, Amanda.
I liked Cesar Millan instantly when the Dog Whisperer premiered, because he was the only dog expert willing to state something as painfully obvious as, "Be the pack leader." Unfortunately, I was immediately disappointed with his reliance on choke chains and other methods of punishment. Although I do think his leash corrections (in conjunction with other important tools, such as exercise) have been effective in handling some of his more serious "red-zone" aggression cases, I knew right away that if the show caught on, every idiot with digital cable would be out jerking their poor dogs around by their necks each time a bird or a squirrel caught their attention, all because of a TV show with a gimmick, good editors, and a flimsy disclaimer.
Luckily, for those of us who wish to provide our companion animals with the leadership they crave and, yes, require in order to be happy and stable, there is a nonviolent way. What Cesar understands and what those who take their dogs out for walk-and-jerks fail to realize is that if you want to be the pack leader, you actually have to, you know, lead. It seems simple and obvious enough, but there are plenty of people out there who expect to be treated like a pack leader without ever bothering to earn the necessary respect. I'm sure most of this blog's readers are aware that dogs need enrichment and exercise, but are you phoning it in? Fido and Fluffy need your encouragement and undivided attention just as much as they need you to buy them toys and harness them up. Playing alone while you check e-mail or walking the same boring path day in and day out simply isn't good enough. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to be a proactive leader. Here are just a few that I use frequently:
•Next time you offer to take Fluffy for a walk, let her choose the direction that interests her most, or ask her to lead the way home. Don't bark orders like "Let's go!" if she wants to stop and smell the roses—it's her walk, and her love and respect for you will only grow if you encourage her to explore.
•Organize a treasure hunt that will appeal to every dog's inner scavenger. Hide toys or cookies anywhere you like—a sandbox, your backyard, or even the living room, and take Fido to find them. If you're short on time, you can even sprinkle a handful of bread crumbs outside and cheer Fido on as he happily snorts up every last bit.
•Initiate play—wolves within family packs in the wild rarely struggle with one another for dominance. Their often evolving hierarchy is established through play and mock battle. High-ranking animals initiate play with their subordinates, keep the peace, and have a good time while they're at it. If Fluffy brings you a toy and drops it at your feet, you've waited too long. Next time, make sure it's your idea to play, and Fluffy might start to get the idea that you aren't so slow and stupid after all.
•Is Fido an extrovert? Do his eyes light up when you mention a trip to the pet supply store or your best friend's house? Take him more often, and don't be afraid to make a fuss—you'll get all the credit and he'll eagerly anticipate your next bright idea.
•ALWAYS set Fluffy up for success. If you know she gets grouchy when she's tired but take her to the dog park anyway, you are dooming her to failure. Wait until she's feeling a bit more social instead. If she can't stop bouncing off the walls long enough to learn a sit-stay, give her a chance to burn off some of her excess energy before you try. Instead of drilling with various commands, try using games like Hide 'n' Seek to make learning fun.
•Fido should always be able to count on you to have his back. Step in and speak up if you notice that someone (human or nonhuman) is doing something that makes him uncomfortable.
•Pay attention. What does Fluffy enjoy? What does she respond to? Every dog has unique, individual interests. If you find ways to cater to them on your terms, you will become the source of oodles of unimaginable fun. Your BFF should be paying attention to you and following you because she knows that you are the source of all of the wonderful things in her life, not because she has no other choice. Look at the world through your dog's eyes—then take the initiative to show her more of it.
•Take a beginning acting or singing class. What does performance have to do with interacting with your dog? The first thing you will learn from any coach worth his or her salt will be correct posture, movement, breathing, and vocal techniques that will help you to project the confidence you need to be the fun, fearless leader every dog deserves.
Now, take the lead!
Comments ( 9 )
Thanks so much for posting these great ideas. I will have to try the scavenger hunt. Mary
Posted by Dog Pet Urns | May 1, 2008 12:05 PM
Posted on May 1, 2008 12:05
What a great post!
I've been a little concerned that I'm not a good pack leader because I'm not very assertive and I'm not big into the whole discipline thing. But reading through your post, I reallize that I AM a pack leader!
I totally agree with your first tip. I always let Pepper lead during our walks, after all it's HIS walk. I let him choose the route and take his time. He chases flying leaves, stop to smell the flowers (again... and again... and again...) and stops at just about anything that is a post to sniff-sniff-sniff. When Pepper is finished, he just starts leading me back home.
I feel so bad when I see people walking their dogs and impatiently telling them to hurry up, like the walk is an inconvenience.
Posted by Jaclyn | May 1, 2008 3:53 PM
Posted on May 1, 2008 15:53
Great writing!
I enjoy Cease Millan's show sometimes, but I'm always left thinking that I have no need to go that far with my dog. She listens and is a pleasant companion and we've never employed a choke collar or any other device. Also, my dog has a few quirks (scared of cars & thunderstorms) and CM makes me think that if we can't conquer these it's because I'm a bad owner who has made my dog crazy. My husband and I just agree that we're willing to work with her limitations.
When we walk, I give her treats and tell her "good walking!". This makes her want to stay with me and I don't need to jerk her around. Sometimes she looks at me while we walk and I can see the chicken in her eyes!
One question though- my dog is terribly afraid of traffic. (throws herself into the nearest ditch, lays flat on her belly and shakes) So, I generally keep to our quiet block in order to not stress her out. However, I don't want her to be bored either. Any suggestions?
Posted by Rhonda | May 2, 2008 11:48 AM
Posted on May 2, 2008 11:48
Hi Rhonda,
I don't know where you're from, but here in Hampton Roads we have access to a lot of great beaches and parks, and both are ideal places to take your dog on a nice long walk where she can commune with nature. It also sounds like you have a dog who would be a good candidate to go hiking off leash (as long as the spots you find are lenient about things like that--most are as long as the dogs are well behaved). If you have absolutely no resources like that (sad!) you could always scour your community for other quiet neighborhoods. I know it may seem silly to drive to another neighborhood for a walk, but a.) most dogs love car rides, and anything that follows one is decidedly more exciting than everything else that does not and b.) while the sights, sounds and smells will appear to be very similar to those in your own perimeter to you, to your dog they will all be very exotic and exiting.
Posted by Amanda | May 3, 2008 11:27 AM
Posted on May 3, 2008 11:27
This young lady is my adorable grand daughter and she has made me more aware of how to take care of our Lucky (shown in the picture with her Louie) and our Zorro (who is half-brother to Louie). We are so very proud of Amanda's knowledge concerning animals, especially dogs. She was always a horse lover and I'm surprised that she didn't become a vet.
Thanks, Amanda.
Posted by Delores McKinney | May 3, 2008 3:49 PM
Posted on May 3, 2008 15:49
Amanda-
Thanks. I worry that in my efforts to de-stress my dog I may actually bore her to death! I will definately scout out some exciting places to walk!
Posted by Rhonda | May 4, 2008 8:56 PM
Posted on May 4, 2008 20:56
All great ideas, but I am wondering why you are encouraging dog guardians to take their dogs to pet supply stores???
Remember? They sell other living beings? Mass breed them in horrid conditions for impulse sales in their stores?
See: PetsMart Cruelty campaign, and the former Petco campaign...
Sorry, I have to stick up for my little guys...I have 3 rescue parakeets, 2 strays (more than likely bought at one the pet stores) and one that was for sure neglected and abused. He was bought as a gift and not wanted.
PETA should be grateful for that one.
I spoke to Isaac's (MY name for him...not the old name he had)previous...owner *rolling eyes* and got an earful.
I was told "I didn't want "IT", it's not like I went the store and bought "IT"...I was a PETA member on the spot. That was 5+ years ago...
Posted by Tamara | May 14, 2008 9:31 PM
Posted on May 14, 2008 21:31
Hi Tamara,
Everyone has to buy companion animal supplies somewhere, and I never mentioned either of the chains you did, so maybe you could lighten up a little. I hope people will go to pet supply stores that DON'T sell companion animals (and there are plenty), but I also hope that when guardians go to any pet supply store for necessities they will also think about how much their dogs will enjoy going along for the ride. I'm sorry if you took that to be encouragement to shop at Petscrap or Petco; I would never suggest such a thing. For other readers, if you don't know of a pet supply store in your vicinity that doesn't sell animals, look in the phone book or online, make some calls find out what your options are. If you switch from a store that sells animals to one that does not, please be sure to let the former know exactly why they are losing your business.
Posted by Amanda | May 15, 2008 9:47 AM
Posted on May 15, 2008 09:47
I really don't appreciate being asked to "lighten up a little"...
Did any one ask the people who campaigned all those years for dogs and cats not to be sold in pet stores (and still do, as they all have not stopped selling them)
Anyway, have they been asked to "lighten up"? Would you ask them to "lighten up"?
I didn't think so...
I am not trying to start an argument, this is my last word on the subject.
All I am saying is the lives of these small animals: birds, "small furries" (gerbils, hamsters, rats, mice) rabbits, ferrets, and fish, and reptiles and are just as valuable, and they feel as much joy AND pain as dogs and cats.
I just can't rest until they are not sold in mass quantities, and the general public are made aware of their value as living ,sentient beings.
This is best done by NOT shopping and not walking your pet through their stores. How many people come away without buying something? That is why these stores came up with the idea...
Your presence in their store, to me, constitutes approval. Unless you are handing out leaflets explaining their horrid, greedy practices. That is ok...you'd last about 2 seconds in the store though. And the police may be called...I know, I've been there...
Posted by Tamara | May 17, 2008 2:02 PM
Posted on May 17, 2008 14:02