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Sure the DNC is coming to Denver, but it's Not a Democracy with You and your Dog!
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With all the excitement over the DNC, the term "democratic" is permeating our very existence. Unfortunately, there are many dog owners who cannot separate their politics from the way they work with their dogs. The following is a fictional account of a well-meaning guy who did learn to relate to his dog the correct way.
Steve, a delegate to the convention, is a staunch Democrat who believes in the ideals of his party. He lives every aspect of his life according to the philosophy of equal rights and equal privileges for all. Unfortunately, he applies these principles to his relationship with his feisty Scottish Terrier, Fala.
When Steve first brought Fala home, the pup encountered a new environment. Wanting to make Fala feel at home, Steve was careful to impose a lot of rules. He thought that Fala deserved freedom; too many rules might diminish the dog's love for him. In no time at all, Fala had a routine established. In the morning he raided Steve's shoes (chewing only one from each pair) and ate from the trash at noon. Fala guarded Steve's favorite chair, growling and barking at his devoted owner menacingly.
It is very noble of Steve to want Fala to be an equal partner, but it just doesn't work that way. In a dog's mind.JPG)
, there must be a leader. Therefore, if it isn't clear to a dog who the leader is, then he will assume that he's the leader. Steve was never in charge. He feared that his dog wouldn't love him anymore if he imposed any limits on Fala's behavior.
There must be leadership - benevolent leadership. Steve needs to take on the role of the kind, fair and consistent boss. Does that mean putting Fala in an alpha roll (holding a dog down to "teach" it who's boss)? Definitely not. It is never necessary to be a bully to be an effective leader with a dog. Once the dog recognizes the leader, he will relax and accept it. Positive training methods enhance the relationship between dogs and owners. Training has evolved in the last thirty years. And, it's never too late to start a training program. Steve made the decision to become the leader.
Three weeks flew by. Steve had worked with Fala each day, while volunteering many hours at the DNC. As the last bits of confetti were swept by the crews at the Pepsi Center, Steve enjoyed a quiet moment at home. Fala was snoozing happily in his dog bed, as his leader, Steve, curled up in his favorite chair to read Obama's latest bestseller.
