| When you first bring a rescue dog into your | | | | on easy-to-reach counters. No more treats simply |
| home - especially an older one who may be very | | | | because you looked down and saw two soulful |
| set in his ways - your first responsibility is to get | | | | eyes beseeching you. |
| to know your dog. This requires constant and | | | | Rule 4 - Make your dog totally dependent upon |
| careful observation. You must spend time getting | | | | you. Become the provider of his every |
| to know your dog, learning how to read him so | | | | life-sustaining necessity and his every |
| that you will understand which training techniques | | | | life-enhancing nicety. |
| will work best with your dog. For instance, if your | | | | Here are some tips and techniques to help you |
| dog has quickly assumed the role of "Alpha dog", | | | | achieve role reversal with your dog: |
| your task at hand will require immediate and | | | | - When taking your dog outside, be sure to walk |
| influential action. However, if he is demonstrating | | | | through the door BEFORE your dog |
| tentativeness, he may be simply in the "role | | | | - Always request and get a trick, even if just |
| confusion" stage and only needs to see signs of | | | | sitting, before receiving a treat or when you place |
| leadership from you to learn where he belongs in | | | | his food bowl in front of him |
| the family hierarchy. | | | | - When you dog occupies space that he shouldn't |
| So job one is observing your dog's behavior to | | | | - like the middle of a walkway or on your favorite |
| determine what type of training will be required | | | | seat or your bed - gently nudge him until he |
| and in what doses. If your dog tries to "lead" you | | | | moves. If necessary, lead him to where you |
| or other members of the family, he is trying to | | | | prefer he rest |
| take charge. More specifically, if your dog exhibits | | | | - Never give a command that you don't intend to |
| some of the following behaviors, then you would | | | | enforce. Don't beg or yell. Help him to obey if |
| do well to take the appropriate steps to assert | | | | necessary, like gently pushing his rear to sit. Once |
| yourself as Top Dog. It's in everybody's best | | | | he obeys, reward him with praise |
| interest - including your dog - that he learn from | | | | - Feed your dog after the family eats. And, give |
| the get-go that he belongs in the lowest place in | | | | him ample time to finish, but do not allow him to |
| the family's pecking order. | | | | "graze". If he doesn't eat in a determined time |
| To determine if your dog thinks he is "leader of | | | | frame (15 to 30 minutes), remove the food |
| the pack", look for the following behaviors: | | | | - You determine play time |
| - Shows teeth, snarls, or even attempts to bite | | | | - You determine which games to play. Avoid |
| when you try to remove a toy or bone from him | | | | games of strength and resolve like tug-of-war |
| - Always has to be out in front - pulling on the | | | | and even rough housing. Hide and seek or fetch |
| leash, rushing out the door ahead of you | | | | are more appropriate (if you play fetch, insist that |
| - Challenges your authority, from simply ignoring | | | | he return the toy to your feet). Do not allow him |
| your instructions to outright disobedience | | | | to play keep away |
| - Eats food on his schedule - that is whenever he | | | | - Provide your dog with affection, but in |
| feels like it - and not on your schedule | | | | moderate doses and preferably as positive |
| - Is always trying to control his territory - like | | | | reinforcement for good behavior |
| sitting in the middle of the hall - forcing all to walk | | | | - During this role reversal period, always remain |
| over or around | | | | on a higher level than your dog - literally. Be sure |
| - Pushes his way onto your bed despite your | | | | to administer praise and even petting from an |
| commands to the contrary The recommended | | | | elevated position. Avoid sitting down to play with |
| techniques required to establish you as "Alpha | | | | your dog. When your eyes make contact, |
| Dog" may at times seem harsh. But asserting | | | | maintain your eye contact until he averts his |
| yourself as leader will be doing your dog a huge | | | | stare. After you gain the dominant position in your |
| favor. For a dog to assume the role as leader in a | | | | home, you will be able to relax these silly |
| human environment can become very stressful | | | | techniques |
| for your dog. This could lead to anxiety, | | | | - Do not allow jumping up on people or furniture |
| nervousness, constant barking or even aggression. | | | | during this period. This is a dominating behavior. |
| Dogs simply want to know their place in the | | | | Either ignore the dog or use a command such as |
| family pack and what is expected of them. | | | | "off" or "no" while gently pushing the dog to the |
| Oftentimes, an "aggression" problem is really | | | | floor |
| attributable to "role confusion". | | | | - Do not allow your dog to pick favorites among |
| So, how do you go about reversing roles? Start | | | | family members. This can be accomplished by |
| with these four general rules: | | | | having everyone involved in the "role reversal" |
| Rule 1 - go slowly. In fact the more aggression | | | | training. Allowing the dog to dominate just one |
| your dog has exhibited, the slower you should go. | | | | person will defeat your purpose |
| You do not want this to become a challenge to | | | | - Do not hesitate to introduce crate training. It will |
| your dog to compete with you, but rather a life | | | | be a safe haven where your dog can escape the |
| lesson. | | | | stress of trying to be a leader until he learns his |
| Rule 2 - no more "something for nothing". Teach | | | | rightful place in the home Be diligent, patient and |
| your dog that all the good things in life must be | | | | persistent and your dog will eventually understand |
| earned including play time, treats, walks, petting, | | | | that he relies upon you to satisfy all of his needs |
| even meals. | | | | and wants. This is a happy place to be for your |
| Rule 3 - do not tempt bad behavior. No more | | | | dog, for you and your family. Now enjoy the |
| dashes out the door unfettered. No leaving food | | | | wonderful benefits of dog ownership. |