Leadership steps:

LEADERSHIP STEPS (Part 1)

Lack of proper or correct leadership is one of the most important factors that can be the

cause of behaviour problems in the human and dog relationship.

The lack of leadership steps or not clearly defined guidelines are in the majority of cases responsible for the abandoning, or putting down of dogs due to aggression or unwanted behaviour.

In the following few weeks we will address and discuss the different categories of leadership steps that are necessary to keep interaction and harmony between human and dog.

1. Human Dog Interaction

· Offered interaction from the dog can include the following:

· Jumping

· Whining

· Laying on its back and wetting itself

· Leaning against the owner and head nudging.

If your dog is offering any of the above-listed behaviours and you are reacting verbally to it you could reinforce the behaviour.

2. Entering or leaving the House or Property

It often occurs that a dog’s owner expects a visitor/(s) and when they arrive, the dog jumps on them. Typical reaction is normally for the dog owner or the visitor to shout at the dog, and therefore enforcing the current behaviour.

Corrective action in this respect is to start at home and to open the door. When the dog approaches the door without being invited, simply close the door. Leave the door closed for a few seconds and repeat the exercise. This exercise will teach the dog not to approach the door. When the dog does not come to the door immediately go outside and reward the behaviour by giving the dog a treat. Turn around and enter the house without speaking a word, and if the dog rush, or try to jump up at you or lies on its back wetting itself just keep quiet and close the door. Keep on repeating this exercise until the dog does not rush up to you when leaving or entering the house.

The next step is to approach your front gate and if the dog demands attention or offers any interaction, turn around and enter the house without speaking a word. As soon as the dog calms down, reward by giving the dog a treat. The next step is to exit the property and then re-enter it. As soon as the dog offers any interaction leave the property immediately. Do not speak or look at the dog. When the dog does not offer any interaction reward it.

Increase the interaction time that you are offering the dog by rewarding it for offering positive behaviour gradually and start leaving out the food reward. This action must be consistent at all times to be effective.