Have you ever been in the situation where you are out for a walk with your dog, happily
going down the street when your heart misses a beat and then sinks because you see
another dog coming?
It means only one thing. Your lovely but very dominant dog is going to try to leave their
mark on yet another dog. And you've no idea how badly this could go!
Even though the other dog is on a leash you know you're in trouble if they come too
close, and so you start looking for an exit strategy…
But before you know it your dog is pulling like crazy and the hair on their back is
starting to rise.
You’ve tried everything to stop this behavior. Like tugging on the leash, a different collar,
distraction with food but nothing has made the slightest bit of difference. Now it’s just a
case of keeping them separated at all costs.
You've started to give up all hope. Page
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So where did it all go so horribly wrong?
The thing that so many dog owners and trainers don’t seem to understand is that if
you’ve been giving your dog the wrong messages at home then it's too late to turn it
around when you see another dog on the street.
The simple fact is this...
Dogs are simple animals. And I mean that in a very loving way. But they’re simply not
interested in bigger TVs, faster cars or their next holiday.
Rather, dogs are about survival. First and foremost. Which includes protect the property
and the pack, especially when they are outside.
Now. Think about it. Dogs are pack animals. They understand there are leaders and
followers.
And the leaders decide what is dangerous and take the initiative protecting the pack.
So what do you think happens when your dog thinks that they are the pack leader and
they walk down the street and see another strange dog coming?
That’s right. They walk up to them chest-up, head-up, tail-up and try to get them to back
down.
And that’s when it all goes pear-shaped.
But what started the reaction was giving your dog the message that they were in charge
in the first place! That they're in fact the Pack Leader in your home.
This is where Doggy Dan’s dog training method is so cool. He totally understands how to
show dogs that you're the pack leader.
But what's really impressive is that he does it in such a kind and gentle way. And its very
simple, he uses 5 Golden Rules.
When you can see Doggy Dan's pack around other dogs they do not overplay their role
because they all know that he is the pack leader and so can take it easy.
Now of course all dogs are different and some dogs are naturally more dominant than
others, and there are some who like to be more submissive. It doesn't really matter what
kind your dog is.
The secret is this:
YOU need to be the Pack Leader. Once you establish this you will find all the other
training tricks will start to work. A gentle pull on the leash, the distraction using a food
treat and the gentle word of warning.
The fact is that the training approaches that you're currently using are probably really
good ones but without a solid foundation they simply don’t work.
Because in summary your dog is not taking any notice of you once the other dog shows Page
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up. Your dog has bigger things to worry about, like protecting followers in their pack
(you).
So, to turn it around… again, YOU need to become the pack leader.
Doggy Dan has given me some great training tricks that I can share that will help you
achieve that calmer dog as the other dogs approach, so here are a couple. But remember,
the pack leader foundation HAS to be in place first.
• Food distractions: This approach can really work with some food hounds! The key is
this: use it as a distraction. Do not reward your dog after they have lunged
towards the oncoming dog. Use amazing food, such as chicken or cheese. Not
their usual biscuits!
• Take it slowly: Do not expect miracles overnight. Unless you've just put the pack
leader rules in place! Often pushing things too fast will result in it going wrong,
but going slowly builds confidence.
• Master the walk: Make sure that you've gotten control of your dog's walking before
you meet the oncoming dog. If you need to consider a device other than a flat
collar to achieve this then do so.
• Stay focused on what you want: It’s easy to get sucked into following your dog's
behavior but remember that you need to continue to show your dog exactly how
you want them to behave.
• Be ready to step in: Stay focused on the best result but be ready to step in and
quickly guide your dog away or gently tug or correct them. Once you've done
this remember to relax immediately afterwards.
One of the things that I love about this whole method is that it works with your dog's
natural instincts.
For example it’s natural that one dog will be above another. You can’t take that out of
dogs. But by positioning yourself as the top dog in the pack, they will not be nearly as
likely to become overly protective, tense, dominant or take things too far.
