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Originally Posted by gontygirl  Hi there. I have a good suggestion, but I don't want to be too pushy. Quite honestly you do have a dog that is trying to be in a leadership position. This behavior is also extending to further than your family... He's using that "sensitive little guy" routine to control you. The fact of the matter is dogs do not get their feelings hurt. We humans tend to humanize our canines because we IMAGINE that we are affecting their "FEELINGS", when dogs don't have human brains and thought processess like we do. They live in the moment, which is why we can "teach an old dog new tricks"! At this new moment you should want to decide to take the burden (and it IS a burden...make no mistake) off of his shoulders and assume the alfa posititon. Decide today that you are in the lead and he needs to FALL IN LINE as he'll be happy to do. Dogs live in a social society of a PECKING ORDER, someone has to be on the top and then the trickle effect is who's in the middle and bottom. That's what it is to be a canine. The bottom (or beta) isn't "feeling" sad or depressed... or having feelings of low self esteem. These positions are a job well earned and to be worthy and proud of. In the animal world if you're not accepted...you get cast out. Being part of a social group/family is TERRIFIC! That's the good news. The bad news (perhaps...) is that it's YOUR JOB to lead. To be Alpha. It's an honour and a privilage. Your dog needs you to take the reins...so he can fall in line and relax and know everything is taken care of. He'll be happier.
When he barks say "NO!" or "No barking!" in a strong loud voice. It's an unpleasant behavior he's displaying which required an unpleasant and equally loud reaction from you. Put him in a "sit/down". It's not necessary to say "good boy" once he reacts to his down. He will only test you and begin to bark again. It will take longer at first if you do. Save the "good boy" for when he's been listening for a while.. He has to learn his place within your "pack". It won't hurt his feelings...it's merely giving him bounderies as you should with your dog. Good luck. Hope I've helped and not been too pushy... :P  |
So dogs have dog brains that do not contain an amygdala??