It’s alwa
ys nice to hear the stories that people tell about their dogs.
Something that comes up regularly is how the dogs have observed and learnt things about their owners, and their routines. Which leads to an important point that people are not always aware of; the dogs really ARE watching you.
To talk a bit about the psychology, in their ancestors world when a dog saw another creature, they had to make split second decisions on the relative nature of the creature. To a large extent they would use body language to achieve this outcome.
Our modern day pooches still use this instinct. This initial evaluation is constantly being re-assessed. They continue to evaluate their original estimation based on the creatures continued body language and actions.
If you display the characteristics of a leader straight away, dogs tend to treat you as one until things prove otherwise.
If you start to appear unsure, inconsistent, and display “weak” body language then you will diminish in the dog’s estimations.
This is not a evil or menacing arrangement, some people like to go on about how their dog is not an evil dictator secretly plotting world domination, and yes this is true, but they are watching what’s going on for good reason.
You see in packs and closer to the wild, working out “the order of things” can mean the difference between life, death or a good maiming. So getting it right, and constantly re-evaluating the situation, becomes paramount.
As is also often said, dogs are opportunists. To be an opportunist you need to develop a talent know when you have a good chance of getting away with something. As you can imagine, they will quickly learn who they can get away with things with, and who they cannot.
This all feeds into pack hierarchy and where they and you fit onto the “totem pole” so to speak.
If they do not see many signs of leadership, they will tend to put themselves above you, however it may not be in all situations, which often confuses people.
Like us humans, dogs don’t passionately care about everything. So will only put on a performance or display (in human terms) bad behaviour, when there is a situation that is important to them.
In their eyes they are stepping up to handle the situation because they are unsure if the owner or handler will take control or “step up”.
It is important to note that in a lot of situations they may not want to “step up” but as they see it, are not given a choice. Hence this can lead to anxiety or aggression.
This explains why in a particular situation, like when visitors are over, you start to display some leadership, or start giving orders, the dog tends to ignore it. As the dog has observed how you act the rest of the time.
You have to show that you are willing and able to be a leader for them. A leader is not always a dictator, but at the very least, someone who will show the way and take control when necessary. An interesting aspect to this is that the dog also judges on how much you make them do things. The logic being if you don’t make me do anything, how do I know you will step up or take control when it’s required ?
To reiterate they are constantly watching you and making evaluations, like title says “you are being watched”
So to sum up, be aware of your body language, be aware of the level of leadership you are showing and let the dog know where it should be in the family totem pole. Do this and you are a huge part of the way there in getting a well behaved and mannered dog.
These are some of the areas we provide dog training for in Sydney – if you are not listed, please still contact us ! The Hills – Annangrove, Baulkham Hills, Beaumont Hills, Bella Vista, Box Hill, Carlingford, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Dural, Glenhaven, Glenorie, Kellyville, Kenthurst, Maraylya, Maroota, Nelson, Northmead, North Rocks, Rouse Hill, West Pennant Hills Blacktown and surrounding areas – Acacia Gardens, Dean Park, Doonside, Glendenning, Glenwood, Kellyville Ridge, Kings Langley, Kings Park, Lalor Park, Marayong, Marsden Park, Oakhurst, Parklea, Quakers Hill, Schofields, Seven Hills, Stanhope Gardens, The Ponds, Toongabbie, Vineyard, Riverstone
