Many times I have been asked to help people with misbehaving dogs. This question comes up regularly because dog owners don’t seem to understand the ramifications of how their environment can impact a dog’s behavior. They also don’t realize that they are the ones who are exhibiting inconsistent behavior and are lacking leadership skills.
This is the most recent inquiry that I received.
“I have lost most of the control over my 3 year old miniature poodle. He growls at me, and bites me when he is at risk of not getting his way. Two of his bites have actually broken the skin on my hand. Last week he urinated in my bed, right on top of my pillow. He did this right in front of me, and he growled at me when I yelled, “No!” I really love him, and I’ve had him since he was a puppy but, I don’t know what to do. Outside of our apartment, he is a different dog and he acts shy and afraid. However, he sometimes becomes confrontational with other dogs. I really need some help with him. Thank you.”
It sounds like her doggy really needs a Time Out! He thinks he is in control of his world and she is there to serve him. The bad news is, she taught him to behave this way. You fellow dog owners must realize you are the parent. It is clear that she loves her poodle, but she may not have given him good parental guidance by being a calm, assertive consistent Leader of your Pack.
Often we think all our dogs need from us is a lot of love so we give them plenty of affection, all the time, whenever they want it — OR, most often what happens is we give them affection when WE need it. This is a big mistake with dogs. Their first question is always: Who’s in Charge Here? If you aren’t clearly the Leader, then they will assume the position.
In order for our dogs to feel stable, happy and balanced, they need:
1) clear boundaries and rules (this includes consistent and regular training),
2) appropriate ways to discharge their energy (includes daily walks where you are clearly leading him, not the other way around)
3) only then can you offer affection.
The order of these 3 steps is important.
You could start taking control today by up all of the toys, treats and food. Ask your dog to earn them back by doing what you want him to do, when you ask. Wait until your dog is calm and submissive before you reward them. Remember to reward the behavior you DO want from them, and address or sometimes even ignore the behavior you do not want.
Communicating with your dog will help a lot. Your dog also knows the other things you are doing that have made them the way they are, and discussing all of this will help you both be clear about what is truly needed and wanted – and what is not.
Tags: animal behaviorist
