June 22nd, 2011
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The politics of dog training can sometimes overwhelm pet owners who are simply looking to promote good behavior in their pet/s. All pet owners really only need to know one simple thing: dogs do what works, what’s fun, and what makes them feel good. So instead of worrying about being a “pack leader,” concentrate on being a “snack leader.” Dogs will happily work for individuals who control access to resources (food, play, preferred resting areas, walks, etc.) without confrontation.
Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY. |
Concentration on being a pack leader is essential in a home with multiple dogs..without a strong human-management team you will find your dogs having many issues including aggression towards the other dogs and humans. In our school we promote owners to be the leader..please remember you are NOT a dog..nor is your dog a human. Dogs have in the past been workers and companions for humans…please keep it that way!
Have fun training!!!
Debbie
Oh no, not the pack leader term again. If left to themselves, as in feral dogs, they tend to form social groups and not the hierarchy of a pack, Some individuals being more assertive than others. The term “Resource Controller” is a much more accurate term for the human who needs to take responsibility of the dog / dogs entrusted to him / her.
Great point, Casey. It’s so frustrating to deal with people who just won’t let the old myths go and insist on basing everything on dominance and pack status. Even though science has proven that dogs DON’T form packs (in the ethological sense of the term), a TV celebrity’s nonsense seems to carry more weight for some people (rolls eyes). If you own the resources, guess what – you’re in charge! So simple…
Dog/Dog aggression is not the result of a human “failing” to be a pack leader. More often than not it is because a human is attempting to force a hierarchy that doesn’t naturally exist in the dog social structure that causes aggression to raise its ugly head.
Dogs are SOCIAL animals not pack animals. Do your research and don’t believe everything you see on NatGeo.
Learn from a licensed veterinary behaviorist that KNOWS current animal research. All of them will tell you the same thing – positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train an animal and to manage a multi-dog household.
Katie and Leah make great points. People, please, take your cues from the people who are trained in the science of animal behavior, not from TV personalities, no matter how charismatic, who preach the dominance doctrine. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior rejects dominance and pack theory and actually suggest that veterinarians NOT refer their clients to trainers who rely on it.
This is bad information. What happens if you run out of food? If you are the dogs pack leader the dog will follow your direction and commands happily. Dogs need a strong leader to be anxiety free. If you practice canine pack law your dog will listen unconditionally and you wont have to worry about having “treats” to control your pet.
We like this relaxed approach!
This is FANTASTIC information! So simple and so straightforward. Thank you Casey!
For those saying “you have to be the pack leader/what if you have no food on you,” dogs will “work” for many different things: your attention, playing with toys, being able to go for a walk, being able to greet and play with another dog, and food. It doesn’t have to be food, but come on, “snack leader” is a silly take off of “pack leader.”
People, PLEASE stop buying into the alpha/pack leader/calm submissive nonsense certain TV celebs are selling.
I am not fond of the dog training advice that if they control resources that they control the dog. What happens if the dog wants a resource that you can’t control like a squirrel? Trainers like to say, “really only need to know one simple thing: dogs do what works, what’s fun, and what makes them feel good.” Well, I disagree”, says The Chicago Dog Coach. Ami Moore says, “Dogs do what works. Fun does not exist for a dog-they are motivated by drives and instincts.”
I know that if you control your dog’s ability to turn on his drives and instincts-that leads to real leadership.”
You might not be able to control the squirrel, but you can control your dog’s access to it.
Anyone who thinks that fun does not exist for dogs doesn’t really know dogs.
Ami Moore fails to list any credentials on her website. She doesn’t seem to hold any type of degree in animal behavior from an accredited institution, a veterinary degree or a PhD in animal behavior.
I would like to know the research behind her claim that “fun” doesn’t exist for a dog.
Ami Moore. I knew that name sounded familiar. She’s been accused of animal abuse. Unfortunately the case was essentially dismissed due to people not showing up and calling expert witnesses. Too bad.
Ami Moore, previously arrested for pet abuse charges – even though they were dismissed I would never let her touch my dogs.
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/9802/IL/US/
Love the phrase..you are the bomb!