And then cry about it when they have a problem dog on their hands?
In order to be the alpha you have to be stern! You have to constantly put the dog in it's place. You're not hurting it's feelings by correcting it. Dogs WANT that from their alpha!
You have to establish it's place in the pack and that place better be BELOW you!
I spoil my dogs, but they know darn well that I'm in charge. They get to sleep on the bed, they go everywhere with us, they get a ton a of treats, etc. etc. but when I tell one of them to get in the tub for a bath, whether they like it or not....they LISTEN!
2007-01-05 08:32:18 · 22 answers · asked by KJ 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
And by "stern" I don't mean hitting.
2007-01-05 08:32:46 · update #1
Horselover....wouldn't you agree though that by taking on a responsibility as such that you need to understand something about it? That you can't just expect it to behave when all you do is spoil it and let it get away with murder?
2007-01-05 08:39:18 · update #2
Thank you KJ - Very well said!
It sounds like you're referring to the people that get dogs without knowing anything about having one...
ahhhh, maybe someday people will learn that having a dog (or 2...) is a big responsibility - It's not just about playing fetch...It's about training and giving the dog(s) constant attention.
2007-01-05 08:36:18 · answer #1 · answered by Yo LO! 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I spoil and baby my dog but I mix it with a healthy amount of discipline. She knows that what I say goes. I would never hit her but she knows if I say something in a firm tone she had better do it. Yet, she knows where to come for treats and cuddles and her "mommy" puts sweaters or a sweatshirt on her so that she doesn't catch cold. She goes almost everywhere with me. But if she is running around being crazy (she is 5 months old) she knows if I pick her up it means calm down and she will settle quietly in my arms immediately without my saying anything. She has an excellent personality. You can spoil your dog as long as you don't forget to discipline them as well.
2007-01-05 10:03:54 · answer #2 · answered by ESPERANZA 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yup, and then the dog is biting when they try to make him move off the couch, or pick up his food bowl, etc, and then they say "I don't understand...I gave him everything he wanted" Well, DUH!
Horselover - Do you do that with your horse then? This happens with horses as well. Some owners let them do whatever they want and then wonder why he has zero respect and is kicking, biting and walking all over them. To treat a dog like this is bad enough, but to do it with a horse is just plain dangerous.
2007-01-05 09:59:14 · answer #3 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because many of them cant tell a dog from a baby? They live in a fantasy world unable to really find love and affection from their busy parents. Their only recourse is to shower the dog with the attention they lack. Mean today arent I?
2007-01-05 22:59:02 · answer #4 · answered by st.lady (1 of GitEm's gang) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good Question -
I think some people baby there dogs becuase they cannot have children of there own or because the dog is feeding an emotional need of theres. You are right this causes major problems. Dogs need to follow a pack leader and You must ensure you are it.
I have a naturally dominant breed but I do not allow him to dominate me or my family. Consitency is the key.
2007-01-05 08:35:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most people get dogs without doing the research and treat them better than themselves. This happens many times, and the dog may start to nip. We have friends who let their dog act that way, she is definitely the alpha dog. It's not right, but people just try to ignore it.
That's the best solution I can come up with.
2007-01-05 08:38:03 · answer #6 · answered by cadowney1 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some people "parent" differently than other people. ("Babying" a dog isn't necessarily a bad thing if you get the dog to do what you want it to do.) Also, some people just don't know how to "parent" their dogs because they've had no experience in it -- and those folks should not be berated for asking for help.
2007-01-05 08:40:34 · answer #7 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, I know what you mean!
Behavior issues are the number one cause of death in th US according to the AVMA.... death by euthanasia, either from being surrendered to a shelter or from their vet.
A lot of it is due to ignorance to the fact that dogs are not people! The best thing that I've seen happen recently is Cesar Milan...even though sometimes I get sick of hearing his name, it's fantastic that a good trainer is pushing knowledge rather than a quick fix, and making it popular to have well-behaved dogs.
2007-01-05 08:39:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I totally agree with you. I once met this lady with three dogs that she treated like kings. She wouldn't be stern with them, even when they chewed her stuff, or went potty in the house. It was rediculous! I must admit, I spoil my dog sometimes also, but he knows whose boss. I can understand if an older person baby's their dog, becuase they might be lonely, but other than that, its kind of sill! :S
2007-01-05 08:37:32 · answer #9 · answered by loreli b 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
People do that with their kids too. People view their dogs as their kids and they want to make them happy and don't really think of the consequences that will arise from spoiling their "children."
2007-01-05 08:34:32 · answer #10 · answered by gravytrain036 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋