How To Avoid Dog Obedience Training Issues

Last Wednesday I received an emergency message from a client, Clare, about a dogfight. Normally her two young dogs are best friends, but last week there was a big-time dogfight.

Clare was worries that this wasn’t going to be just a one-time thing, so she called and asked for my help. She told me that she had no clue what might have precipitated the dogfight.

Clare’s impression was that the problem simply “came out of nowhere!”

But when it comes to dog obedience training, in reality there were definite reasons why her dogs lost control, and dog behavior signs that indicated the dogs were getting edgy with each other. (For example, when a dog would enter the room, the other one would start growling.)

Before I share the rest of the story, I’d like you to go and download this free dog obedience training audio course that I’ve put together for you. This audio course alone can solve some of the most common dog obedience issues most people are faced with, but I’m also going to throw in 16 dog training videos, 5 dog training manuals, and a lot more free stuff to help you out. Please make sure you do that right now.

Back to the story.

When I spoke to Clare I reminded her that she happened to be in the middle of a major renovation of her house. Even if the project is managed perfectly, remodeling your home creates confusion and chaos.

Unfortunately for Clare things were not going smoothly during the remodeling. Although Clare was someone who would normally be quite relaxed at home, now she was anxious and tense and would have heated arguments with her contractor. And this situation had gone on for weeks!

So What Happened that Made Clare’s Dog’s Act this Way?

Clare said, “But my dogs like each other! They play together and sleep together.”

The plain truth is… dogs do not live in a vacuum. Dogs can definitely sense what’s going on in their environment and what you may be thinking, feeling, or experiencing. Clare’s dogs:

1.  Watched Clare (who is usually calm) verbally confront a subcontractor many times,

2.  Felt her unhappiness, anxiety, and anger,

3.  Lived in remodeling chaos,

4.  Missed dog classes, and

5. Wasn’t getting enough exercise. (Because it had been so hot for the past few weeks, Clare neglected to take them on their usual walks and simply let them run in her backyard instead.)

Any of those reasons alone probably would not have triggered a fight, but when stacked on top of each other, the increasing level of stress broke down the relationship between two formerly friendly dogs.

Is This A Permanent Rift In The Dogs’ Relationship?

No. The remodeling is now finished. There’s now, once again, peace in the house. The dog lessons and the regular walks have resumed. It will take a little time, but things between the two dogs will go smoothly again.

Really Understand the Emotional Messages Your Dog is Getting From You?

If you want to see how your emotions affect your dogs try this exercise from my book, Catch Your Dog Doing Something Right.

Invite your dog with you in a room. Close the door. Sit down on the floor. Do not talk, move, or gesture but think angry and unhappy thoughts for the first minute.

Now try adding some words, movement, or sounds to give your feelings a “physical” presence.

But, don’t direct them towards your dog! During the next 30 seconds… feel the emotion pouring out.

* Does your dog come to you, try and avoid you, get anxious, or not pay attention to you?

* Do you notice that your dog’s reaction changes? Notice whether or not your dog has a stronger reaction once you add feelings, sound and body language?

Now change and think happy and excited thoughts for one minute. Then add words, sounds, and body language to your feelings. However, do not direct them at the dog! During the next 30 seconds use a happy voice… feel the emotion pouring out.

* Does your dog come to you, try and avoid you, get anxious, or not pay attention to you?

* Can you see your dog’s reaction differ? Does the dog react more when you add words, feelings, and body language?

This is a simple way to show you just how much of an impact your voice and attitude has on your dog. If you’re upset after a bad day at work or stressed because of an argument with your spouse, neighbor, or daughter, or you simply stub your toe, your dog can sense it. Dogs pick up on tension and absorb it.

There are certain signs of dominant behaviors that demand quick action, such as one dog putting his chin on another dog’s shoulders, snarling or growling if another dog enters the room, guarding a toy or a food bowl, or ears or a tail that is very erect. What you need to do is to figure out the reasons behind the sudden dominant behavior and then work to rebalance the relationship with training, changes in diet, exercise, doing more to assert yourself as pack leader, and getting in touch with a professional if things still aren’t working.

Also, be sure to go and download the free dog obedience training audio course (and the videos and workbooks) I mentioned above. They’ve helped thousands of dog owners get control of their dogs, and they’ll do the same for you!

Tagged as: dog obedience training