Make Yourself Relevant

Many dogs think they rule the world. They demand something, and they get it because *we* give it to them. Then we can't understand why they are so out of control. But we've taught them that they don't have to ask permission -- all they have to do is demand and they get what they want because we give in -- or give up. In some cases, this can translate into aggression -- "You don't give me what I want, so I'll MAKE you give it to me by biting." The next time he wants something, "you're" going to remember he bit you the last time, and you don't want to get bitten again, so you accede to his wishes, er, demands. Voila -- who's training whom?

The solution is easier than you think -- make yourself relevant. Whatever your dog wants, he has to earn -- and what he's learning in the process is self control. If he wants to be petted, he has to sit first. If he wants you to throw the ball, then he has to stop barking at you. It's simple -- he gets what he wants after you get what you want.

How to train him is another matter. It's the hardest at the beginning, and then it gets much, much easier it. All it is is manners. Someone taught manners to you, and there are some things you know not to do without being taught -- for example, when you are invited to someone's home for the first time, you don't go into their refrigerator and pull out some food. It's rude. No one taught you that, but you know social decorum.

With dogs, it's a different matter. They act like dogs, and many times that conflicts with how we want them to act in a human world. And since we communicate by speech and they communicate by body language, it can be challenging.

You can learn how to communicate with your dog easily and effectively. If you just want him to learn manners, then take our Manners Magic lesson. It's a two-hour lesson and there is *no* obedience involved. Click for more information on this innovative training program and then call us toll free to set up an appointment 1-877-7-DOGGIE.

Read more about solving Dog Behavior Problems.