Dog training basics | Natural Pet Health

By Dr Julie Summerfield

In order for our canine friends to be well mannered and pleasant companions, we need to teach them some doggy etiquette! Some of this is in the form of training, but most of it is by showing leadership to gain respect and control of our dogs!

Dogs are descendants of the wolf, and despite domestication, act mainly on instinct. In the wild, dogs live in social groups or packs, and there is a definite hierarchy within the group. There is always a leader or alpha dog. You need to be just that in your “pack”.

For you to be alpha, you need to act like a dominant dog would. This very clearly indicates to your dog that you are the boss! You need to gain the confidence and trust of your dog by being firm but kind.

If you do not act like a strong leader, your dog would naturally try to challenge your position – in the wild dogs are always trying to scale their way up the ladder to become top dog, and will do the same with you if you are a weak leader. After all, to a dog their survival depends upon having a good protector and leader!

Simple things that you can do to avoid dominant behaviour in your dog include mimicking the behaviour of an alpha. The top dog gets the best food-the subordinates get whatever is left. So it is important that you eat first. Ignore any whimpering or begging, and certainly allowing your dog to jump up to the table is a no-no!

Alpha dogs get the best sleeping areas, usually up high to survey the territory-to your pooch, that is represented by beds and sofas. To begin with, until you have established your status as top dog, it is best to discourage the dog sleeping in bed with you, especially if there is any dominance e.g. growling or territorial behaviour.

With games, you need to win more than the dog (not all the time or the dog will get bored), and take possession of the toys at the end of the session. The games should be initiated and ended at your will. A dog should not growl or bite if you try to take things from him, rather he should give them up to you, the dominant dog.

A dog should not bite or mouth you. This is a challenge, and dogs do this in the wild to fight for positions higher up on the pecking order. Don’t encourage this behaviour by rough play, and let your dog know with a firm voice that you are not happy. Ask your dog to sit then praise him to redirect the behaviour and enforce your leadership.

It’s all about communicating what is and isn’t acceptable by using voice and body language. Sometimes people forget that dogs don’t speak English, and we need to teach them what is right and wrong. There is no bad behaviour to a dog. They just do what comes naturally to them, unless we train them otherwise.

Proper socialisation as a pup should take care of any fear or aggression toward other animals and people. Obedience training and making yourself top dog ensure your dog is less likely to have unwanted behaviours and demonstrates proper doggy etiquette!

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Please note: This article was written in 2001. Dog training methods and ideas change frequently, please consult your vet or trainer to discuss whether this article would help your dog.

Doggy etiquette

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