You May Be Driving Your Dog Crazy! Here’s Why!

  Posted on July 9, 2013  by Joy of Living  No comments

The Spirit of Bo, returning from beyond, with more life lessons on loving that adorable dog of yours:

It’s cozy here in the afterlife. I have so much free time to study, explore and learn. I have observed life from this vantage point and have learned many valuable lessons that I want to share with you. Today’s lesson should hit home for many of you who love your dogs but often fail to make the distinction clear as to exactly who is the pack leader – you or your dog?

You can drive your kids crazy. You can drive your friends crazy. You can drive your spouses or significant others crazy, but can you drive your dog crazy? Well, yes, you can, according to the legendary dog whisperer, Cesar Millan of cesarsway.com, and here’s how dog owners typically do it.

• Using words to talk to your dog. You say “walk,” “treat,” or “potty.” They hear sounds and see your lips moving. Dogs are intuitive and understand you when you speak from the heart. They read your soul and understand things by virtue of your actions, not by what you say.
• Treating your dog like a child. You know the type. They have photos on the wall; pictures in the wallet; they may even have a wardrobe for the dog. However, the dog wants to be a dog – to have order, structure and discipline; to be part of the pack; to have the opportunity to roam, play and explore. Sure, love and affection are great, but they still need to be a dog, not a toddler.
• Your dog is unemployed. What does that mean? He is bored. As a result, he gets frustrated, chews on things and maybe even gets a bit aggressive. He needs something to do. Dogs are born to work for their food, to hunt. As a pet, they are virtually waited on hand and foot. So, give him a job. When you go for a walk, for instance, put a pack on his back and create an obstacle course of sorts for him to put his sniffer to good use! Make him feel he has work to do and he will be happier!
• You become a playmate to your dog instead of his pack leader. Dogs need structure and consistency 24/7, not just when you feel like it. Sure, it’s fun to play with your dog and let that “boss guard” down, but if you relax the rules, even temporarily, when it’s time for you to take charge again, the dog becomes confused. You set the tone for everything. The dog should understand that it is time to play when you say so – when the dog is calm and relaxed. You give the signals. You lead and provide direction.