Tuesday, May 1, 2007

OUR ATTITUDE TO THE DOG AS WE SLIDE IT DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PACK LADDER....



You don't have to be mean and nasty about sliding our dog down to the bottom of the pack ladder. It's simply a matter of adopting a temporary attitude that is impersonal, distant and firm.



Giving your dog a whole lot LESS attention during this transition period will help lessen its confusion.



For many people, just ignoring their dog for a period of time will be the hardest part of winning back the leadership. Some people find it gut-wrenchingly difficult.



We'll still be walking, grooming and feeding our dog, but we won't be playing with it during this transition period. We won't be giving it nearly as many pats, treats and attention. We'll also be interacting and talking to our dog much less.
Why?
While we're winning back all those lost challenges, it'll make the transition period much less confusing if our dog isn't getting any mixed messages from the human members of the pack.




By ignoring our dog during this slide to the bottom of the pack ladder, we're not saying: "We hate you."
Instead, we're saying in clear, simple dog language: "You are no longer the leader of our pack."



As the pushy, challenging behaviour lessens dramatically, we can resume interacting with our dog again - but from now on - only on our terms! Never again is our dog going to rule the household! Its days as leader are over!





"Hey, this life at the bottom of the pack ladder ain't so bad after all..."



If you would like to buy my book, you can buy it on-line at:
abcshop.com.au
It's called "The Dog Man"by Martin McKenna.
(It was written in my pre-dreadlock days and has become an Australian bestseller.)

3 comments:

Jocelyn said...

What if there are two dogs in the house? One is dominant, the other submissive? Could you please blog about training two dogs that live together - building on one of their confidences, and the other to be less dominant?
Thanks!

Martin McKenna said...

Hi, Martin, The Dreadlock Dog Man here,
sorry - but i lost the password to this blog - and let it slide.
However...
great news!
I posted some foootage of me communicating with rescue dogs on Youtube and it got me a great publishing deal!
My ground-breaking new book is called "WHAT'S YOUR DOG TELLING YOU?" and can be ordered now from HarperCollins Australia. Released 1st Sept. 2011.
See me in action on Youtube at: the dreadlock dog man
Find me on facebook at: www.facebook.com/martinmckennadog
Contact me on Facebook and get great free tips.
Thanks so much for your support!

Suez said...

HI Martin,
Would you please contact me. I need help with my dog Gidgee who is very fearful of storms and escapes. he is also very fearful of being left alone. The vet recommends anti-depressant drogs.
I live in Ocean Shores ph 66804976 or 0419406424
Thanks
Suez