"A Lesson in becoming ALPHA"

[tjclem]

I have read the link this points to and it sounds like good advice to me but I wondered what others felt about it........Thanks for your input........tom and my furry friend Mr. B

[pride-and-joy]

I guess I am the one who started posting the link you are refering to. I volunteer with an all breed rescue and it is from one of our "volunteer trainers" list of resources.

Personally...I find it very appropriate for dogs of a dominant nature such as our beloved Rotties, however, I've seen some little yippie guys who need a good lesson too.

The reason I am such an advocate for the principles of the article is because it suggests no "old school" punitive, hitting, kicking, swatting, etc.

It is all about your presence of "In charge-ness"...ie. Nothing in life is free. "I love you...but you WILL live by my rules in this household." It is so easy when you think about it.

I can testify to the fruits of consistantly living by these rules. I have an 8 month old male CGC. We have no resource guarding or other rebellious battles in our lives (other than typical teenage testing and frolicking). He just started preparation training for his TD (Therapy Dog) and visited his first nursing home today.

I have exposed him to many different stimuli since he was 4 months old. I can tell the de-sensitation and socialization has paid off because within minutes, he was kissing residents in wheel chairs and through their bed rails. Talk about a "lump" in mommy's throat!

Another thread discusses temperments...good or bad. I personally feel that many Rotties who are "dumped" at the pound or rescues and labled "vicious or BAD temperemented"...were merely robbed of proper rearing and socialization in their early beginnings and would have been otherwise normal dogs.

It is such a small window of time to lay the foundation but hell to work with after it is messed up.

I guess I am just passionate about urging people not to miss out on that crucial window of time.












http://www.athfar.homestead.com/Traininglinks.html

[tjclem]

Thanks for the reply and for re-posting the link. I guess I posted it wrong.....Tom

[luvarott]

I disagree with the paragraph about "petting" the dog, that you need to reduce cuddling......yes you need to make this kind of a reward conditional, BUT she doesn't offer an alternative and the power of a system of massage/touch, such as the Tellington Touch way, can do miracles also with an aggressive/dominant dog.

[pride-and-joy]

Luvarott,
What is the "Tellington Touch"?. My guess is handling and massage exercises similiar to what is described in the book, "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete.

I did that with my boy religiously from 9 weeks old. Ie. held him down, soft voice praise, massaged feet, ears, neck, etc....when he stopped squirming and protesting...he got a treat and eventually released with a happy "Ok, gooood boy." The results are a completely touchable, nail clippable, manueverable 8 month old. He is amazing in that respect.

The way I use and interpret the paragraph you are referring to is for an overly pushy dog that constantly "horns" in.

Many times when I am reading (currently trying to finish the Culture Clash)...Jake comes over and shoves a slimy rope toy in my lap, wanting to play tug. I don't make it a point to drop whatever I am doing at his command. I tell him, "No, Go away!" After he goes and lays down, chews his bone for awhile...I will reward him with a quick tug game, praise, and luv'in.

PARAGRAPH FROM THE ARTICLE:
Petting and attention: Alpha dogs are used to being fussed over. In a real dog pack, subordinate dogs are forever touching, licking and grooming the alpha dog. It's a show of respect and submission. For now, until his attitude has shown improvement, cut down on the amount of cuddling your dog gets. When he wants attention, make him SIT first, give him a few kind words and pats, then stop. Go back to whatever it was you were doing and ignore him. If he pesters you, tell him NO! in a firm voice and ignore him some more. Pet him when -you- want to, not because -he- wants you to. For the time being, don't get down on the floor or on your knees to pet your dog. That, too, is a show of submission. Give praise, petting and rewards from a position that's higher than the dog.