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Leadership Qualities Dogs Respect

Aidan's picture
Posted May 2nd, 2007 by Aidan
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What qualities do dogs look for in their leaders? Adopt these 3 simple qualities to turn your dog's behavior around almost literally overnight!

It probably won't surprise you to learn that dogs look for the same leadership qualities that people look for - consistent leaders who lead by example and who reward good behavior.

1. Consistency: communication between different species is not an easy task, especially when one species can talk and the other can't! Inconsistency makes that task all the more difficult. By adopting consistent behaviors in yourself, setting consistent boundaries, and keeping some sort of consistent routine - your dog will have an easier job of figuring out what you expect.

2. Lead by example: dogs tend to mimic our actions. Don't rely on them interpreting our intentions correctly. If we yell at our dog for being aggressive, this can lead to more aggression from our dog. They don't necessarily understand that we are angry and upset with their actions, they just follow our lead. When we learn calm approaches to dealing with this sort of problem, our lead is followed with calmness in return.

3. Reward good behaviour: behavior that is effectively rewarded tends to increase or continue. Therefore it makes sense to reward the behavior we want to see in our dogs. In the same way we get paid to work, our dogs expect to be paid too. Life in the pack works that way; food, security, shelter, play and social contact are the rewards dogs work for. Whilst our pet dogs get most of this stuff for free, it makes sense to ask them to do something to earn it, no matter how simple the task. Asking a dog to sit before letting it outside, or asking for a short 'stay' before being fed are two simple examples.

By adopting these 3 qualities and making them habits in your day to day interaction with your pets, you will see positive changes in your relationship. Dogs do respect these qualities and respond in kind with faithful companionship.

Comments

Leadership qualities dogs respect

On February 5th, 2009 H says:

If I am the main caregiver to the dogs and do all of the above but the other 2 members of the house do their own thing how do the dogs perceive this and what is the impact on their behaviour?

As long as someone is doing

Aidan's picture
On February 9th, 2009 Aidan says:

As long as someone is doing it. I would have to know a little more about the situation and the dogs, but unless you have a problem I wouldn't worry too much. It could just be that they respect you more as a leader.

Something I would like to stress - a machine can train a dog. There is nothing mystical about leadership. Dogs do what WORKS for them, good leaders make what works for them and what works for the dog more or less the same thing. The above are just some basic rules for making this easier.

Great question, by the way :-)

Regards,
Aidan
http://www.positivepetzine.com

It is really great man.

On September 3rd, 2009 ping123 says:

It is really great man. Thanks for sharing this interesting post.

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