| I think many behavior issues stem back to basic | | | | your authority as pack leader from the very |
| "Pack Leadership" and that most people don't | | | | beginning the adolescent at some time may challenge |
| understand the psychology of a dog. Some of the | | | | you for leadership. He or she may become |
| people who buy small dogs don't expect to have any | | | | aggressive and snap or bite when being asked to do |
| problem with aggression because indeed the dog is | | | | something they don't want to do. You must respond |
| so small. It's not a Shepard or Rottweiler. Surprise, a | | | | to this challenge swiftly and severely if you wish to |
| dog, is a dog, is a dog. It turns out that some people | | | | be in charge. |
| do have a problem because they let the dog rule the | | | | Remember we are dealing with small housedogs. If |
| house. After all it's so small and cute you can't | | | | your puppy growls or tries to bite you grab him by |
| discipline it like you would a big dog. They have to | | | | the scruff of the neck hold on tightly, yell very loud |
| bribe or trick the dog to go into the crate and have | | | | and mean NO NO NO BAD DOG. Force him down to |
| to be careful when feeding or especially brushing | | | | the ground if you can and yell some more. You are |
| because the dog tries to snap or bite at them. The | | | | not trying to hurt him, but rather scare him and make |
| dog goes after strangers or kids especially if they try | | | | him realize "I am in charge here." Hold him and look |
| to take away a toy or bone. | | | | right into his eyes until he stops struggling. Wait |
| This is a BIG problem. | | | | another minute before you let him go. He should slink |
| Dogs are not furry little people. You cannot explain to | | | | away from you and go sit alone somewhere. Don't |
| them why they should not hurt people. The reason | | | | follow him!!! He must sulk for a while. Don't look for |
| dogs fit so well into our life style is because they are | | | | him, or call him or interact with him in any way. He will |
| pack animals. In the wild they live in family groups, | | | | come to you to apologize if the encounter went as it |
| like we do. There is the alpha male and the alpha | | | | should have. It may take hours, be strong. The |
| female, they are the pack leaders. All the other wild | | | | leader never makes up with an underling. It is the |
| dogs/wolves in the pack are subordinate to the | | | | dog's place to come and make up with you. Believe |
| leaders. Females mostly do the hunting, and the | | | | me he still loves you, even more if he knows you are |
| young males referred to as "uncles" baby-sit the cubs | | | | the leader. You must do this every time he/she |
| when the rest of the pack is out hunting. The only | | | | challenges you or becomes aggressive toward you or |
| male in the pack that mates is the alpha male or | | | | anyone else. Remember you are pack leader he |
| pack leader. (That is why neutering is so important) | | | | should trust that you will handle every situation. |
| From time to time one of the younger males may | | | | From the time you bring your new puppy home |
| challenge him from for leadership. A strong leader will | | | | brush him every day. If he doesn't like it, hold him |
| immediately and in no uncertain terms put him in his | | | | firmly and do it all the more. Eventually he will know |
| place. The leader usually bigger and stronger will | | | | you mean business and will be much calmer. Every |
| thrust the opponent to the ground on his back and | | | | time you let him win (stop brushing when he |
| put his jaws around the challengers' throat. The | | | | struggles or tries to bite the brush) you are |
| challenger will usually submit and the fight will be over. | | | | reinforcing the bad behavior, in essence teaching him |
| If he does not the leader can kill him and he knows | | | | if he gives you a hard time you will back down. Clean |
| that. A wolf will rarely kill when not necessary. | | | | his face, wipe his feet, clean his ears, and cut his nails. |
| I tell you this to give you a deeper understanding of | | | | If she gives you a hard time hold her still until she |
| your dog's behavior. Young dogs, like young children, | | | | stops struggling, then continue what you were doing. |
| need structure and discipline in their everyday life. | | | | It may take a couple of times, but its well worth the |
| They are happier and more confident when they | | | | effort. You will end up with a loving pet for years to |
| know their place in the pack. It is healthy for them to | | | | come. |
| grow up knowing their limits. If you do not exert | | | | |