One of the most frustrating things to happen as a dog-parent is for you to call their name… And them not coming, and ignoring you.
This is especially embarrassing when it happens in public, right? If your doggo often doesn’t come when called – every time – then I’m going to let you in on a little secret of mine…
FIRST: You Need To deal with WHY Your Dog Doesn’t Come When You Call Them. In most cases it is because your dog doesn’t see YOU as the leader of the pack… or as worthy of their respect or attention. Like people, dogs do better following leaders they respect. In each group there is a leader. The leader always eats first, they decide what’s a threat, and what behavior is or isn’t acceptable within the pack. In most healthy groups they LISTENS to the leader.
Oddly this is something humans understand for themselves but they don’t know how to communicate to their dogs that they are the leader. People tend to try to talk their way around a problem with their dog…. like their dog understands them…
Being a LEADER has nothing to do with using aggression or unnecessary force, but it does have to do with properly communicating certain concepts to your dog.
For example here are some basic tips that can help your dog learn that you are the worthy leader.
NO FREE FOOD:
HOW you handle food (because in your dog’s mind, the pack leader is ALWAYS the one who eats first). There’s a simple, yet specific way which you have to feed your dog, which lets them know you’re the leader.
ALLWAYS ADVOCATE FOR YOUR DOG
The way you deal with issues and potential threats, like dogs, animals, even other humans matters. There’s a way to show your dog that you’re the leader who takes care of threats. Once you’ve showed your dog you’re there for them, they wont feel the need to protect themselves or protect you and they’ll calm down. Whenever it is safe, get between the problem and your dog. You want you to do know you will take care of the problem
THE WAY YOU INTERACT WITH YOUR DOG:
The WAY which you greet and interact with your dog, matters. Everything should be “on your terms”. This is a critical step which many dog-owners mess up… If your dog jumps on you or invades your space uninvited, it’s allowing them to think that they are the leader. It isn’t whether or not your dog is on the bed, couch, or even jumps on you, as long as it is because YOU want them to.
HOW YOU WALK YOUR DOG:
It’s it is important to understand that for your dog, going on a walk is like going on a mission. So if you’re not walking your dog the way a leader would… leaders lead, thus the term.. If your dog is always walking a head of you, you are not taking them for a walk, they are taking you… In their minds they are going to be the ones running the show. So stop to let them smell when you want to, not when they want. Have them walk next to you. Using a short loose leash, if they move in front and the leash gets tight, STOP and don’t move until the leash is loose. Your dog will quickly learn that a loose lease is good and you will move forward only when they are not pulling. You can also, abruptly change directions to keep your dog having to follow more than lead.