DOGS BODY LANGUAGE – WHAT A TAIL CAN TELL YOUYou can gauge a lot from your dogs body language.
Dogs communicate with each other almost exclusively without sound, so it’s handy to be able to pick up things such as fear or aggression while out on a walk, so you can cut in before things escalate in ways you don’t want. Have a look at this quick video from the online dog trainer Doggy Dan, all about what a tail can tell you… Being able to interpret quickly and with a high degree of accuracy any dogs emotional stage is very useful as it gives you a good indication of that dogs’ intention. As explained in the video you can tell the emotional states of your dog (or others) from the angle of their tail and there are 5 very distinct positions – they are as follows: 5 States A Dog's Body Language Will Tell You
The 5 states are easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for and reading your dog will go a long way to understanding their needs and keeping them safe. Obviously, if your dog has a docked tail it is going to be a bit harder to tell, but in most cases you can still see the angle of ‘stump’. Even if your dog has a short tail from being docked, you can still tell – it may be a little harder to see immediately, but the tell-tail (no pun intended) signs are there. Can you read your dogs body language?
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HOW TO STOP A DOG FROM PULLING – IS WALKING A STRUGGLE WITH YOUR DOG? If you’re not sure how to stop a dog from pulling on the lead while out for a walk then take a look at this Doggy Dan video where he talks about the basic principle and underlying reason why your dog does what he does. The main behavioural issue most people seem to be struggling with, is when they are outside, in that they loose control and the dog either pulls on the lead, gets over-excited, barks at moving objects like cars, runners and bikes, or runs away when they are let off the lead, or indeed any combination of these…
Things seem to be generally okay inside, but outside it's a different matter – I know I used to find that with Oscar… perfect at training inside, but outside, he was a law unto himself! Learn how to stop a dog from pulling with just 1 thing! What people need to know (as I did) is that any behaviour where they don’t listen to you and do their own thing, is not because they are ‘naughty’, it’s because they truly believe they are the pack-leader, are in charge, and will do what they see fit, paying no regard to you, because you are lower than them in the pecking order. Being in charge, they decide what is a danger and what is not, and of course, they can make mistakes, like when they might be aggressive to other dogs they see as a threat. So, in order to remain in control, you must remain the pack-leader and this starts inside the home before you even step foot through the front door. Your dog must be calm before leaving, without barking, jumping or pressuring you to go out: this is crucial when learning how to stop a dog from pulling, as once outside, the behaviour is intensified. If he’s at a level 5 (out of 10) when you bring the lead out, jumping around, enthusiastically, then he will be at a level 6 when you attach it, a 7 as he pulls you to the door, 8 through it, 9 by the time he’s down the path and eventually at a high of 10 once outside into ‘freedom’ with all the exciting things to distract him! At that stage, there is little hope of getting his attention back and responding to your commands. And that’s no good, as it will only serve to frustrate and agitate you the more he ‘doesn’t listen to you’, which will, in turn, back up everything your dog feels to start with (agitated and on the lookout for danger) which creates the proverbial circle. Simple tips on how to stop a dog form pulling: Follow these tips – be sure to leave plenty of time to do this right on your first attempt:
For more tips on how to stop a dog from pulling on a lead, including the stop-start technique, have a look at Doggy Dan’s site. I have personally used his site and his ‘No Force, No Fear’ techniques and I can’t recommend them enough. Happy training! Knowing how to set boundaries for your dog can be helpful in many ways, including keeping them out of specific areas like the kitchen while you’re cooking – this could be to stop them from coming to harm or for convenience for yourself. Have a look at this video on how to set boundaries for your dog with Dan. I have a small kitchen area and I found this video from The Online Dog Trainer useful in helping to keep out Oscar and his friends who have a penchant for hanging around my feet while I am cooking, hoping for the odd tit-bits to fall onto the floor!
However, with hot pans and food etc, it’s not a good idea to have them skitting around under your feet… Boundaries are also useful for your dog’s peace of mind too; knowing what is accepted and what is not allows for harmony. Doggy Dan's simple tip is effective and easy to implement. If a dog keeps going into an area you don’t want them to, it could be that he doesn’t know he shouldn’t or perhaps doesn’t care. Making it clear and taking the time to show them, in a calm and structured way, will set them up for success. It’s all part of being the pack leader – it’s not about keeping your dogs out of areas because they are dogs, it’s giving them clear guidance so they know where they fit in and that yes, they can come on the sofa, or into the kitchen for some chicken, but on your terms Have you been able to put this into practice? Let me know if it works for you below… For more dog training tips like how to set boundaries, visit Doggy Dan’s site. a simple video to show you How To Stop A Dog From Chewing...This is a simple and calm technique on how to stop a dog from chewing – brought to you by Doggy Dan, the online dog trainer, who I think is great. By simply removing the object they are focused on and giving them one that they are allowed to chew, their energy is redirected, not stopped… Dogs love chewing things, it’s natural and they love to do it, so they need to be shown the things they are allowed to touch and those they are not – like your sofa, or your shoes!
If it’s a habit for your dog, then you may need to keep repeating this process outlined in the video, by showing calm and consistent consequences of action. If they do keep repeating the behaviour then you may need to isolate them for a few minutes so they get the message. Remember this is done calmly (not with aggression) and without speaking to them. 3 Step Process: How To Stop A Dog From Chewing:
And of course, being the pack leader is essential so they take you seriously and not just think it’s a game. Set your dog up for success :) DOG DISCIPLINE – BECOME THE PACK LEADER In order for your dog to be happy, you need to know about dog discipline, so they know what the rules are…set them up for success.
In answer to all of the questions that people ever ask me regarding training, it only ever comes down to one thing… you need to become the pack leader. When I mention discipline, I’m certainly not on about punishment and ruling through fear – becoming the pack leader involves mostly non-verbal communication, using body language that your dog understands, and earning their respect, so they want to listen to you. Again, I reiterate, the key is getting them to do what you want through love, choice, respect – NOT fear of being punished. You need to convince your dog that you are the person in charge: the decision maker; where you should go on the walk; how to behave in different situations; and how to respond to all the strange things that you encounter while out. Is Dominating Part Of Dog Discipline? Dominating your dog is certainly not the way to become the pack leader; in fact this can backfire badly on you later on if you teach your dog that physical strength is what it is all about. Whilst you may force your dog into submission, it will not be convincing your dogs mind that you are worthy of the position and that you should become the pack leader, only that you are a bit of a bully. In order to understand how to become the pack leader you must first realise that the following means nothing to a dog…
Is controlling food part of dog discipline? Asking your dog to sit before her dinner is a start, but falls a long way short of what you need to be achieving to become the pack leader, and things like walking through doorways first is only necessary when your dog is on the lead. So how do you become the pack leader? All dogs worldwide, regardless of breed, use the same ways to check to establish the pack leader. During my research I found a great guy who teaches you how to become the pack leader and it’s all on video, so it’s so easy to put into practice, all you have to do is understand and copy what he does… I have personally used his tricks and tips to great effect. The important areas where you need to take control when becoming the pack leader to instil dog discipline are:
Getting your dog to switch off is directly connected to how you meet and greet your dog after your return home. The difference is so subtle, but it is the difference between being the pack leader or the follower, which is so important when establishing dog discipline. If you would like to learn from a great teacher, and through videos, which leave you in no doubt as to how to achieve your goals, then I can’t recommend Doggy Dan highly enough… |
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