Dog Behaviour

When a new puppy, rescue, older or adopted dog enters your home, you, your family, including your children and other animals such as cats and other dogs, become part of his or her pack. Your dog instantly looks for leadership and for his or her place in the home. This is when unwanted behaviour problems can develop due to the fact that you are human and he or she is a pack animal, both communicating in two different languages with different needs and expectations.

You by nature lead with human mentality and not pack mentality which can inadvertently give the 'Pack Leader' position to your dog. This is when problems can occur. Depending on your dog's personality (not breed) will decide whether he or she will literally take over the home or become nervous and insecure. It is not that you have done anything wrong, you simply are not a pack animal and innocently miss what your dog is looking for.

Dogs notice when the "Pack Leader" position is available, which in pack terms means someone HAS to lead, and will often assume this role. Your dog does not want fairness and equality like most humans, they want to know where they are in the pecking order and have a strong leader who is calm, confident and decisive with assertive body language. This is what makes him or her feel safe, calm and relaxed. When we do not meet these expectations unwanted behaviours can start.

Unwanted behaviours include:

Pulling on the lead

Annoying or incessant barking

Getting distressed at loud noises/sounds in the home

Aggression or nervousness

Refusing to come when called

Following you around in the home

Jumping Up at people

Chewing or destroying your home

Separation anxiety

Going mad when someone comes to your front door

or passes your home and/or garden.