Understanding Dogs through Boundaries

For many people, the whole "pack" or "pack leader" concept of working with dogs makes sense on a conscious level, but they don't seem to quite get it to click when they work with their dog. They want to be the pack leader, but for some reason the dog still seems to push them around, act on its own will, and walk all over the owner. This, of course, is not desirable - neither for you or for your dog. If you want a healthy dog, you'll have to assert yourself as pack leader. But how is this actually accomplished?

To help you understand the "pack" mindset, think about boundaries. We have many boundaries in our minds that we unconsciously act out every day - we don't walk on our neighbor's lawns, we don't go into strange places without good reason, and we feel a sense of personal space. Consider this for a second: when someone cuts you off in traffic, many people react aggressively through "road rage." Why? That person could be fifty feet away from you within seconds; why does it feel like they just butted in line?

The answer is "boundaries." On the road, our personal space is mentally expanded; that's why it feels so easy to violate. As it relates to dog training, you are going to have to understand boundaries and start to enforce them.

The pack leader of a tribe often feels no boundaries; they're free to do what they want in their pack because everyone else is following them. If you feel anxious when you're approaching your dog or invading its space, this might be an issue of having a "pack follower" concept of boundaries.

This is why dogs who view themselves as the pack leader feel free to behave and act out as they please - their sense of boundaries are not enforced. When you put them on a leash, they go as far out as possible because their boundaries aren't limited by a "follower's" mindset. When you open a door, they want to skip ahead of you.

Instead, start constructing some boundaries for your dog, and begin enforcing them through simple corrections, not punishments. If you don't want a dog to jump on your lap, give it a quick tap to change its mindset and then correct the behavior by putting him down. If the dog persists, begin invading the dog's personal space instead to show your boundaries will not be broken. Don't do these with a vicious intent; simply enforce your personal boundaries.

The more you set boundaries and enforce them through confident but respectful behavior, the more your dog will respond like the follower and not the leader.

Photo Credits: optimal tweezers

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conscious level, Dog Training, dogs, fifty feet, follower, good reason, lawns, mindset, neighbor, no boundaries, pack leader, personal space, punishments, road rage, strange places, traffic, tribe

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Dog Training, Tips for Dog Owners

Posted by Dog Training Pet on August 13, 2011 in Dog Training, Tips for Dog Owners. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.