In order to reduce frustration and increase harmony when training your dog, it helps to understand that dogs are not our children, they are dogs. They have a distinct social order and they base their expectations on this. Learn to understand the natural expectations that your dog has for you instead of forcing him to conform to your own expectations for human behavior and you too can become a dog whisperer.
Use these tips to conform your own behavior so that your dog will understand and respond to you:
(1) Remember that you are the pack leader. Dogs follow a calm, strong leader. Unfortunately they also follow a panicked and confused leader. Use your body language to put forth a calm but firm demeanor that tells your dog, "I've got this under control".
(2) Give your dog as much exercise and you think he needs, and then add some more. Most dogs are under exercised, and this problem means that they have excess energy which leads to chewing, barking, and other negative behaviors. Wear your dog out with plenty of exercise to naturally control behavior.
(3) Research the breed before committing to a dog. Dogs are bred with specific characteristics to suit a variety of jobs and needs. By choosing a breed that suits your lifestyle will reduce the frustrations of both you and the dog.
(4) Follow a routine. Dogs thrive on a consistent pattern. A routine will increase your dog's confidence in your abilities as the pack leader.
(5) Reinforce good behavior. Your dog will trust you more as a pack leader if you maintain calm throughout training. This means you should still correct negative behavior but do it calmly. But do not forget to reinforce good behavior as well.
