Hi there all!
just logging on to throw my 2 cents in the pot....
My dog Joey is or was quite a nervous dog and seemed to be a bit too aggressive for my liking....I had a new baby when Joey was 3 months old, and I was a bit concerned. I had always treated her as a dog and made a special effort to treat her as a toddler may treat her.During her meals I would sometimes pull her tail a little, lift up her feet while she was eating, move her food bowl around etc etc and seeing as I started when she was young, she has absolutely no problem now when the toddler 'escapes' and bothers her. I try to respect her space, but I am not always quick enough and the baby is now learning that she shouldnīt bother Joey when she eats.
She was also always asked to behave in a way that complimented our family. Not begging, even at parties, to get out of the way of my feet as Iīm walking etc and she was never allowed on the bed as the baby was there.But, being a bit of an insecure dog, she is welcome to join us on the sofa to watch TV, she can 'drive-the-car' from the front seat when Iīm shopping and she may choose where she sleeps.
After reading the Alpha Techniques, I realised that I was following already many of the techniques. I was too busy getting the families dinner on the table and she could wait etc.I was able to choose out a few more, like she can now move out of my way when she is sleeping...why not? I`m often carrying babies and things and she does tend to lie right across the door. If she doesnīt want to be disturbed...well, she can sleep at the wall?
What I`m trying to say is that I am quite tough on her, but it so much a part of our relationship that is is normal. I do not have to 'think' about treating her 'badly' ( as some people think) but she sould be behaving in a way that means I can take her with me everywhere. We go in Libraries, shops, festivals, BBQ`s and I am very haapy with her behaviour, and just the same as with my toddler, I am often asking her not to wander away, to stay with me, to not touch things etc. I donīt believe she needs to be trained in every new situation, but I have set up a style that she needs to follow my lead in how to behave and have good manners in new situations.
She is now one and a half, and I am pleased to see that her natural aggression ( possibly from fear) has dropped right away, her fear of new situations has improved, her tolerance for babies and kids is going great. OK, so sheīs getting older, and calmer, but we have standards in our house ( Totally agreeing with DebbieG
and it isnīt even in my thoughts that I am the pack leader....I am the house leader, I know how to buy the food, how to work the doors, where to find the frisbee so why shouldnīt she watch me and follow my lead? Iīm very entertaining for her and I believe her best friend. Some of my other best friends arenīt allowed on my bed either
I am still jealous with people whos dogs donīt bark, scratch the door, chew the baby Jesus in the crib scene etc and they seem to have no need for these techniques....but after talking to them, they have their own problems and tolerance levels and my beautiful Joey just seemed to need a bit more boarders to feel secure.
OH...and she doesnīt know how to dance or scateboard or play dead...her job is to hang out with us and enjoy the fine sunshine....
Itīs a dogs life....but itīs my house and rules.
Iīm enjoying the discussions that are happening here. Itīs great to hear problems and ideas tossed around.
waiting for more...
Annie