The
American Heritage Dictionary offers the following definitions: “LEADER
- One that leads or guides; one who is in charge or in command of others;
one who has influence or power. LEADING - Having a position in the lead;
foremost.” So, if you have a really smart dog, hand them the dictionary
and have them look up the words. Then all you have to do is tell them
you are the leader. If you are not fortunate enough to have a dog that
reads, the following are some “doggie” ways of looking at
leaders!
1. LEADERS LEAD!
Do
you go through doors first?
Do you get into and out of the car first?
Do you follow your dog on walks or does your dog follow you?
2. LEADERS EAT FIRST!
Do
you fix your dog’s dinner and feed him before you sit down to
eat?
While you are eating, do you stop to offer the dog a “treat”
from the table?
3. LEADERS DON’T CHASE!
Does
your dog like to turn a game of fetch into a game of keep away?
Does your dog steal things? Do you have to chase him to get it back?
4. LEADERS INITIATE INTERACTIONS!
When
your dog brings you the ball, do you usually throw it for him?
When your dog bumps your hand, do you usually pet him?
If you are petting your dog, do you stop when you want to or does the
dog walk away when he’s had enough?
Can you groom your dog whenever you want to, including doing toenails,
or only when the dog is in the right mood?
5. LEADERS MARK THEIR TERRITORY!
When
out walking your dog, do you follow him (or her) around while he urinates?
Do you go around the backyard wetting over all the places your dog has
urinated?
6. LEADERS SLEEP IN HIGHER PLACES!
Does
your dog sleep in your bed?
Does your dog sleep on your couch?
Does your dog sleep in your lap?
7. LEADERS HAVE THEIR SPACE!
When
your dog is sleeping on the floor, do you carefully move around him?
When your dog is sleeping on the couch, do you carefully sit beside
him?
When your dog is in your bed, do you carefully get in so as not to disturb
him?
8. LEADERS MAINTAIN DOMINANT POSTURE!
When
you are sitting on the floor, does your dog come and stand over you?
Does your dog put his foot up on you or his head up over you?
Does your dog think it is okay to ever put his teeth on you (even gently
in play)?
9. THE LEADERS JOB IS TO PROTECT THE PACK!
Does
your dog feel safe when he is with you?
Does your dog overreact in a strange situation, or, if a stranger approaches?
Does your dog bark at people or other dogs and won’t stop when
you tell him to?
Can you discipline your dog if he’s done something wrong?
10. LEADERS ARE CALM, IN CONTROL AND CONFIDENT!
Do
you stay calm when your dog is doing something wrong?
Do you get nervous when a large dog approaches?
Do you start yelling at the dog if he his barking?
Do you play tug-of-war with your dog....and win?
Are you consistent in your expectations so the dog can figure out what
you want?
DO
YOU FIT THE LEADERSHIP ROLE WITH YOUR DOG?
