A mark of a good leader is the ability to inspire appropriate behavior and response without manipulation or cohersion.
Dog Whispering is the skill to be a leader of canines. Our dogs look to us to fill that void, and if we don't, they will. Dogs that are without leadership will become intolerant of other dogs and humans who impede them. This can result in everything from simply having a disobedient pet to dangerous relationships that can lead to aggressive behavior.
An old example is two dogs, Ali and Frazier who are meeting for the first time. After the normal greeting of sniffing each other and circling the tails Ali comes to the conclusion that he should be the pack leader. Ali attempts to dominate by gently wrestling Frazier trying to take him to the ground. Frazier refuses to go down and a fight ensues. Ali is able to subdue Frazier after a short struggle. Does this make Ali the leader?
We know that Ali was the more dominant dog, but the only way to know if Ali is the leader will be when the two dogs meet again. If Ali is able to convince Frazier to be subordinate without force the next time they meet, then he can be considered the leader. If Frazier insists on fighting again, even if Ali wins again and everytime they meet, Ali is only the more dominant but not the leader.
Leaders initiate, followers react. Think about the relationship you have with your dog. Do you react everytime your dog barks because they are ready to go for a walk? When you come do they jump up on you until you give them the attention they want? When you tell them to stop, do they? What can you do to change this relationship? First, ingnore pushy behaviors. Second, before you give them what they want they must do something for you. For example, sit still for 60 seconds. Or lay down and stop barking for a few minutes.
With proper training all dogs will cede the leadership role if the human trainers are consistent and persistent. Owners who insist on believing that force works or that pushy canine behavior is a display of affection. Dogs must internalize their role in the pack and this will only occur when we learn to act like a leader.
