A dog is a pack animal and is only able to use its natural instincts, within a pack, to operate. It also needs to feel safe and secure within its pack.
We give dogs confusing signals as to their role in our 'pack' and usually give them the thought that they are pack leaders and this is where the problems start. Most dogs are unable to cope with the pressure and stress of looking after a pack.
We may think that the dog is a bit of a character or some of its behaviour is cute or funny. If you can live with bad behaviour, bad manners or damage to your home, then all well and good, but it can make your life a misery!
Common Problems
- General disobedience, such as refusing to come when called
- Aggression - to owners, visitors and other dogs/people when out walking
- Causing damage to home when left
- Taking you for a walk
Causes
- Dog owners unknowingly cause most problems with dogs
- We speak to them in a language they cannot possibly understand
- We think that because we can get a dog to sit, lie down etc, then we must be the leaders. This is not always the case.
- We therefore cause confusion in the dog as to its position in the pack - we let it think it is the pack leader
How a dog thinks
- Dogs are all descended from wolves
- They are by nature pack animals
- It can only operate by using its natural pack instincts
- It needs to feel safe and secure within its pack
For security, a dog needs -
- It needs something to eat
- It needs a place to sleep and feel safe
- It needs mental and physical stimulation
- It needs to know its position in its pack
Further resources
England
- janfennellthedoglistener.com
- cometoheal.co.uk Shona Moon, Cornwall
- speakdog.co.uk Gabriela Learner, Dorset
- doghousetraining.co.uk Ellie Carabine, Dorset and New Forest area
- purechaos2calm.com Natalie Finch, Bournmouth
- pawscrossed.co.uk Karen Webb, County Durham
- naturalk9communications.co.uk Julie Abbott, Essex
- talkingpaws.co.uk Rachael Messiter, Essex
- adogs-life.co.uk Vicky Kelly, Essex
- dogsruleok.co.uk Annie Wallace, Hampshire
- yourdoglistener.com Caroline Spencer, Hampshire
- robinglover.com Robin Glover, Hampshire, Aldershot
- k9connection.co.uk Louise Downing, Hereford, Worcester
- wagtailanimalcare.co.uk Amanda Hardemon, Hertfordshire
- havoc-to-harmony.co.uk Carmen Cole, Kent
- begooddogs.co.uk Beverley Edwards, Lancs
- k9-gems.co.uk Sindy Kaur, Leicestershire
- dogdayafternoons.co.uk Annette Glaser, London
- k9understanding.co.uk Andrew Forkner, Oxfordshire
- dogsunderstood.co.uk Janice Olbrechts, Shropshire
- pamshaw.co.uk Pam Shaw, Somerset
- k9affinity.co.uk Jo Buckingham, Somerset North
- mydogology.com Deborah Perreau, Somerset
- simplydog.co.uk Anne Rainbow, Worcestershire
- hillsidedoglistener.co.uk Georgina Bowe, North Yorkshire
- holmewoodkennels.co.uk Boarding kennels based in Doncaster Area
Worldwide
- k9karma.com.au Jo Meek, Victoria, Australia
- understandyourdog.com.au Merry Conway, Tasmania
- k9calmer.com.au Kelli Ferris, Perth, Australia
- hundeharmoni.dk Birgitte Soendergaard
- hundekommunikation.dk Kimm Howe, Denmark
- hundesprog.dk Karina Rasmussen, Denmark
- pauladoohan.com Paula Doohan, Ireland
- dogsense.ie Delma Rae, Ireland
- dehondencoach.com Irene Glansbeek, Netherlands
- k9comms.co.nz Sue Murray, New Zealand, North Island
- hablacanino.com Jannica Holmstrom, Spain
- allabout-canines.com Penny Locke, California USA
- peacefulpaws.us Mary Lynne Doleys, Chicago area, USA
- happyscamps.com Diane Myers, Hamilton-Montana USA
- wolfsongk9relations.com Kim Kapes, Florida USA