I enjoy watching the dog whisperer as well. More important than specific techniques (which vary in success depending on the dog), he stresses the one thing your dog needs from you most: Leadership. If the humans show calm assertiveness at all times, the dog will feel calm and safe, knowing that you are the leader and will take care of everything.
A dog without leadership is nervous and anxious. The dog will fill the leadership vacuum as wolves have for millions over years. Once a dog thinks it's in a leadership position, he/she takes the job seriously to protect the pack at all costs. A nervous barking dog is no happier than its owners. So when the dog is given clear behavior boundries, it does more than make your life easier: it gives the dog the leadership its soul so badly yearns for.
Of course, some dogs will accept the submissive role more willingly than other, as certain individuals were born leaders. But every dog can reach a calm and submissive state if it has clearly enforced boundries and strong leadership from the humans. |