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