Being the Pack Leader

Being Pack Leader is a full-time job. You don't see the lead wolf just sit down one day and say 'I just can't be bothered to do this today' - no way!! The survival of his pack depends on his ability to source food, water & shelter. The Pack Leader role is crucial to a well-balanced, harmonious & healthy pack.

So too, is the role of the dog owner to his dog. Your dog needs to realise that without you, he would not have a reliable source of food, water & shelter. How you do this is the tricky part for any dog owner because it involves detatching yourself from your dog; not all the time, but there needs to be a time & a place for affection. Although this may sound harsh, especially when your fluffy friend is giving you a big wide-eyed look - one he learned from you I might add - it truly is the key to having a well-balanced, content & fulfilled dog.

Dogs need purpose in their lives much like we do. They need to work for their 'room & board' so to speak. By work I mean walk, run, socialise, practice obedience, follow instructions and be alert. While some dogs have proper jobs like guide dogs, cattle dogs or drug dogs, we must invent a fulfilling role for our companions so that they too have a good reason to gobble down their dinner and sleep like there's no tomorrow at the end of the day. If you want to give your dog the best life possible and have him around for years to come, this is the key to your dogs happiness.

So, when you're ready, give these methods the benefit of the doubt (along with years of dog psychology back up from the experts in the field) & watch your dog become the dog he's supposed to be. It's worth it!