The Power of Leadership Walking

Some days you and your dog just have opposite agendas! Your dog doesn't want to do what you want her to do, right?! You both are going different directions!

One way to change that is by walking your dog. Wait a minute you say! But I walk my dog ALL the time or I CAN"T walk my dog because she yanks my arm out of it's socket pulling like crazy or lays down like a pancake and flat out refuses. She never walks "Next" to me!

I know, I know! It's because your dog has not begun to Follow you or see you as the Team Captain. Really walking can change that...that is, the right kind of Walking! Leadership (Follow Me) Walking for starters.

This is how you build Leadership because when you allow your dog to walk ahead, pull on the leash, sniff and leave Pee-mail you are not walking your dog; Your dog is walking you! I always want to feel like I am "Holding Hands" with my dog. (Imagine Gentle Swaying) You wouldn't want to be dragged around by your Significant Other? So don't let your dog drag you.

Here's how to get started.

First you need to change your expectations; Walking nicely around the block or for a mile straight is not the first step. Use a long line (10' to 15') to give your dog safe space to be in and just walk away from your dog. Yup! Say Let's Go and take off. By no other choice, your dog has to Follow because of being on leash. If your dog zooms ahead just change directions; Go the opposite way. This will keep you ahead and in charge.

You will see a change in your dog after a week or two of  Follow Me Walking and a change in Leadership. You won't be leaving your yard right away but you will feel a lighter dog on leash and you will see your dog choosing to join up and walk next to you without being told!


Are you still unconvinced? Well listen to these huge benefits! Walking dogs daily with Leadership reduces house training accidents. Multiple walks gives your pup more opportunities to get it "Right" outside.

Separation Anxiety is minimized because walking is exercise which means you will have a tired dog with less energy to whine or fuss. Leadership will help your dog be calmer.

And lastly you will have a dog who is pleasant to be with so you will spend more time together.

Thanks for being here!
My best,
Dru


Out of the DogHouse website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Any Questions? Call me, Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

Team Captain

Carrying on from last week.....what the heck is a Team Captain anyway? The Person in charge! Because I tell you, truly, some person, even if you may be the only person around, has to be in charge.

What does it take to be a Team Captain?

1.Team Captains are calm, confident and consistent: Asserting authority with conviction.


2. Team Captains are Pro-Active and in charge of every situation: Setting boundaries, teaching manners and earning respect.


3. Team Captains will not allow canine teeth on human skin: Prevention and prohibiting mouthing and play biting.


4. Team Captains control space: A dog must yield space to people by moving out of the way.


5. Team Captains are valued by the dog when needs are fulfilled: Body, Mind and Heart-Exercise, Discipline and Affection.


6. Team Captains decides when the dog may have freedom: Dog are required to be calm and quiet when waiting and cooperative when allowed to be active.  

7. Team Captains provide a safe place to rest: Dogs are given an area to lay but preferably a crate.


8. Team Captains maintain good order and discipline in a multi-dog home: No favorites-a separate relationship with each dog.


9. Team Captains control all resources "The Stuff of Life": Food, water, toys, furniture, time, smells on the walk and affection.


I know you've got what it takes! Dogs will do their best as a Team Player when you are their Team Captain.

Thanks for being here!

My best,

Dru

Out of the DogHouse LLc website www.ohiodogtrainer.net

Any Questions? Call me, Dru therrian 440.286.9070

Who's in charge?

In today's dog culture, there are a few titles going around that describe who's in charge. We all have heard of Alpha, Top Dog and Pack Leader but a title that is new and different in this regard but resonates with me, is Team Captain. And I am not speaking about the dog but the person who the dog thinks is in charge.

When I was a kid, we played baseball at the corner house on our street. We had only a slight risk of hitting the house because of lots of yard for playing; plus we had the safety of the road if the ball went foul or someone hit a homerun. Yes, it was definitely like the movie "Sandlot" with one kid particularly standing out. Nope it wasn't me! But this kid was always the Team Captain. He qualified because he was the best player. And as kids, we always wanted to be on his team because his team always won.

Now that I am an adult, I think Team Captain qualities should be more than just being good at something. There should be an "Air of Calm Self-Confidence". Someone who is unflappable in distress; level headed; someone who is neither nervous or afraid (or doesn't show it); nor are they boisterous and loud. A Team Captain is in Command of Himself and in Control of the Dog.

Your dog will look up to a person like that and if your dog doesn't find his Team Captain then the dog will take over the role and trust me the dog won't do a good job. Your dog should never be in charge.

If you don't think you have Team Captain qualities just "Fake it till you Make it"! Your dog is counting on you! Because having, You, as Team Captain means your dog will always be on the winning team.

Thanks for being here.
My best,
Dru

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Any Questions? Call me, Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

Doggie Playgrounds

You know Sesame Street, Captain Kangaroo and  Mr. Rogers got it right when it came to teaching children. (Notice I can only reference the shows my kids watched when they were little...no clue what kids these days watch!!! I will have to ask my granddaughters!) Anyhow....playing games and having fun is a great way to learn and it works for dogs too!

I love setting up the Fun-Gility Equipment as a Doggie Playground and the dogs love going on it. Sure there are a few pups who are nervous at first because their feet have never left the ground except to jump on someone! But once they overcome their fear they have a Blast!

Huge benefits result from conquering the course: Gigantic boost in Confidence; Improved Large Motor Skills; Dogs Filled Sheer Joy and Happiness! I find that the pups will even play on the equipment all by themselves without being asked!

And you know what else? The dogs don't even realize they are learning! Sneaking in Sits, Downs and Places are easy when it is combined with Fun!

So grab what you can find around the house and set up a Doggie Playground because Dogs just Wanna have Fun!

Thanks for being here!
My best,
Dru

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Any Questions? Call me, Dru Therrian 440.286.9070