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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Before a puppy or dog:
What breed of dog should I choose?
Answer: Try not to think “breed” when
choosing a dog. Certain breeds do display certain characteristics,
but most people choose the
wrong dog because they don’t consider the dog’s energy.
If you choose a dog that has a higher energy level than you, he/she
will
try to dominate you and become your pack leader. Instability can result.
Be honest with yourself about your energy level, and look for a dog
with the same or lower energy level than you have.
What gender dog should I choose? I’ve heard males
are more aggressive.
Answer: Leadership is not dependent on gender. Pack
leaders can be any gender. Dogs don’t follow gender; they follow dominance and an
assertive attitude. Regardless of gender or breed,
you need to demonstrate leadership to gain your dog’s respect.
I’m picking my new dog/puppy up today. What should I
do when I get home?
Answer: Introducing a dog to his new pack and territory is critical. It
is natural for dogs to change territories and even packs, but if the
introduction is done incorrectly, instability can result. The
worst thing
you can do is drive your new dog up to your house, open up the door
and let him/her in. However, this is exactly what most people do.
You may
be thinking that your last dog had no problems when you did this.
Consider yourself lucky. Not all dogs will adjust so quickly, and
unfortunately,
you can’t go back and do this process over again. Take your dog
on a long walk through your neighborhood first. You can’t do it
too long, but never under an hour. You don’t have to power walk,
but you need to show your dog it’s new environment slowly.
Then, introduce him/her to one room at a time. If you want something
like a
couch or chair off-limits, make it clear from the beginning.
After choosing a puppy or dog:
Why does my dog show aggression?
Answer: There are several reasons dogs show aggression.
Fear: Dogs can show aggression if they are insecure
or fearful. Insecure dogs need to see clearly defined leadership
within the pack structure.
If your dog does not know who’s in the lead, he/she will try to
take over, even though the dog does not have the leadership skills necessary.
He/She will develop issues and possibly perceive threats when none exist.
Casting an insecure dog in a leadership role can create a great deal
of instability because the dog knows it can’t handle the
job.
Dominance: Dogs who are
in control of the house can possibly show aggression. If you don’t
create boundaries for your dog, he/she will discipline YOU if you
do something he/she sees as disagreeable.
If cast yourself
in the subordinate, or follower, roll, your dog will need to become
your protector and can be aggressive toward strangers.
Your dog does not show aggression because he/she is a Pit
Bull, German Shepard or any other breed. Yes, certain breeds have higher energy levels
(i.e. working dogs) or are powerful (i.e. Pit Bulls, Rottweilers), but
your dog is most likely showing aggression because you are
not the pack leader. Your dog is confused, and if he/she could speak, he/she would
ask you to take over.
Frustration: If your dog is a high energy level
dog, and you are unable to provide it with physical challenges, such
as
long, energy-draining
walks, then he/she will build up energy. Often times, dogs don’t
know what to do with this energy, so they can become aggressive
to release frustration.
Why is my dog so destructive and/or hyper?
Answer: Once again, lack of exercise is most often the answer to this
problem. Do you walk your dog once a week, twice a week? If you have
a dog that is destructive (i.e. chewing, digging, etc), then
you are not draining the dog’s energy. This can be unfortunate for your
shoes, furniture or mail because your dog will take it out on these
things. In the wild, dogs have to travel long distances each day in
search of food. It is in their programming to move forward. The dog
park or a large yard does not replace a structured walk off of the
property. You wouldn’t ask a fish not to swim or a bird not to
fly, so don’t ask your dog not to walk.
Why does my dog misbehave? He/She was a star in obedience school!
Answer: Obedience training is a wonderful
tool for a balanced, stable dog. However, an obedience trained dog
has only learned to associate
certain words with certain actions. If you haven’t established
leadership with your dog, he/she will obey your commands when
he/she feels like it. If you provide leadership, say 75% of the
time, your
dog will only follow you 75%. The other 25% will be spent with
your dog making decisions.
How can you say my dog isn’t submissive to me? He/She
rolls over on his back and exposes his/her belly?
Answer: Don’t confuse trust with submission. Ask
yourself what your dog is rolling over for. When he/she rolls over,
do you rub his/her
belly? Talk baby talk to him/her? Your dog sees this as being worshiped,
which is Alpha, or pack leader treatment. In a pack, the subordinate
often vie for the leader’s attention. Most often, the leader
ignores the subordinate. Only humans shower dogs with affection.
This is a wonderful
stress reliever for us, but to dogs it means something very different.
Why doesn’t my dog listen? I give him/her treats and lots
of toys. He/She even sleeps in my bed!
Answer: Treats and toys equal affection
to a dog. Affection is given to pack leaders by subordinates. I’m not saying to withhold affection
from your dog. Why have one, right? What I’m suggesting is
that you share affection with your dog at the right times. Never,
ever share
affection when your dog is excited, fearful or aggressive. You only
fuel the fire by giving affection at this time. If you want your dog
to sleep
in your bed, go for it. Pack members do sleep together in the wild;
however, your dog should not ever take over your bed, or get in your
bed without
being invited. Remember, pack leaders make decisions. If you allow
some dogs to make decisions, you may be inviting trouble.
If you didn't find the answer you were looking
for about your dog or puppy, please contact me to discuss your
situation.
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If you ask yourself "Do I need a dog behavior
consultant or dog trainer?", then you probably do.
 What would you like to ask a Dog Trainer or Dog Behavior Consultant?
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"I truly believe that all dogs can be
helped. There are no evil dogs, and there are very few dogs who cannot
be rehabilitated regardless of their past behavior and/or breed."
Stacy Hulen |
Specializing in Aggressive Dog Rehabilitation
Serving North Carolina especially Charlotte NC, Harrisburg
NC, Matthews NC, Mt. Pleasant NC, Concord NC, Pineville, NC and the
surrounding areas.
A Dog Behavior Consultant can help in training aggressive dogs, fearful dogs,
obsessive compulsive dogs, teach obedience training, teach leadership training,
turn your dog into a balanced and well-adjusted dog and help stop destructive
dog behavior.
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