Free Dog Training Tips
By O'Neal Hendrix, Fri Dec 9th

/p>

[This article is the second in a 3-part series about changingdog behavior using positive methods.]

Be a leader, a dog will follow.

From the last article, remember King and his dominant dogbehavior? King was the leader of his pack -- Mom, Dad, 2 kids.King set the rules in the house and didn't hesitate to enforcethem, with growling, posturing, biting and other scary dogbehaviors.

In that article, I introduced 3 simple steps tohelp you begin to take the leadership role back from yourdominant and furry leader-of-the-pack.

Let's look at another family, where Mom is the leader andQueenie is at the bottom of the pack hierarchy (where dogsshould be) and her obedient dog behavior was praised andapplauded by the whole family.

One day, Billy brought a dog home. The family decided to takeher in and make her part of the family. They named her Queenie.Queenie was a terrier mix, feisty and pushy, with an inquisitivemind. Mom Jackie quickly began helping Queenie fit in with thefamily with positive techniques. She taught Queeniewhere her sleeping places/beds were, how to make requests with apolite sit, how to communicate in a positive way, how goodmanners result in good things. Jackie patiently reinforced eachgood dog behavior until Queenie got it, and then she wouldreview and reward to keep the good behaviors in place. Queeniequickly became a wonderful member of the family. Yes, she pushedand sought out trouble wherever she could, but Jackie was thereto help redirect her and teach her new ways of using hercuriosity in fun games and activities with her family. There wasno concern about biting or bad dog behavior. Queenie and therest of her pack were calm and happy.

If you want your household to be more like Queenie's, here are afew more simple suggestions to help you take backyour leadership position and create an orderly and calmhousehold. (Review article #1 for the first set ofsuggestions).

1. First, get their attention!

Begin all communication with your dog's name first. "Blah, blah,blah Benji" gets their attention at Benji. "Benji! Come!" setsBenji up for success.

2. Leader first!

You, the leader, always go first through doorways, gateways, cardoors, etc. The leader goes first and the dog follows. Praise,praise, praise for honoring the leader.

3. Be kind!

This

Review of Scooba, the robot floor mop!
You've heard the hype, now get the facts. We deliver the scoop on Scooba!

is so, so important. Use a gentle voice for most things.When you need to use a more stern approach, that's fine. Justremember, your dog is looking to you for direction and guidance.Give it calmly and lovingly and you will see the difference.Your dog will love you and want to be with you and pleaseyou.

4. Let's play! -- on MY terms.

Games and toys are great fun for dogs -- and you. Begin and endgames as a leader does. YOU are in control, not Skipper. End thegame before he gets bored and leaves. Keep him wanting more.

5. Let's EAT!

Being a leader means eating first at mealtime. If you typicallyeat at about the same time your dog eats, you eat first and thenfeed your dog. (This suggestions points to another strongrecommendation - no running buffet!)

Don't let Fifi run your household. No matter how large orsmall the dog, or how cute and cuddly, if you do not step intothe leadership role, your dog will. Take leadership of your packback and begin to change that bad dog behavior. You CAN haveQueenie in your household. Just start putting these dog trainingsuggestions in place and you'll notice the difference rightaway.

Be the leader--your dog will love you for it and workhard to please you!

About the author:O'Neal Hendrix is a premier professional dog trainer in Atlanta,GA. Considered a "miracle worker" by clients, vets, groomers,and even other dog trainers, she has helped many human clientscreate loving and respectful relationships with even the mostdifficult-to-train dogs. She has a wealth of knowledge aboutdogs--check out her dog blog,http://www.dog-supplies-dog-accessories.com , for her advice andopinions on everything dog!