Establishing Leadership in Dog Language

stefaniekunzelman • 24 April 2024

What constitutes a ‘well mannered’ dog? A good definition might be of a dog that is well behaved at home. That would be a dog not begging at the dinner table or in the kitchen, not jumping on people, not blasting out the front door, the minor infractions. It would also include a dog that doesn’t nip when it doesn’t get its way. A dog that isn’t guarding its food bowl or couch, worse yet, the bed. Possibly the worst, a dog biting a household member (the dog is using negative re-enforcement on the human by biting). This last behavior creates an atmosphere of fear from everyone with which the dog feeds off of causing him to become even more reactive. Moreover, this behavior is something nobody will tolerate and visitors will avoid coming over out of fear of being bit.

We, as dog owners, make a lot of mistakes with our pups when we are at home. The biggest mistake, believing that our dogs are kids or humans and that just by talking to our furry friend, we can convince them of their wrong doings. Dogs do not understand our words. They do understand our tone of voice, our emotions and how we react to their behaviors very well though. We have a blog which goes into detail on how your voice affects your dog and how to use it and will not be covered here.

What I would like to go into detail about is how we can show our dogs that we are the homeowner, that is to say the dog is not, and therefore the pup is not the decision maker at home. When a dog understands this message, a lot of the unwanted behaviors can be minimized or eliminated… without any formal basic obedience training. Extreme behaviors, once started by the dog, are very difficult to remove as the dog realizes the effect it has on those around them. Establishing boundaries will do little without using negative reinforcement.

Some of you are certainly asking “why” would we want to show our dog leadership? It is simple, if we do not then more often than not, our dog(s) will show us leadership. What? Remember those few bad traits I had mentioned above? Nipping for example? This would include biting… How does a dog show another dog not to come near its bowl when it is eating (sometimes even when there is no food in the bowl)? It will growl and nip in the mild cases of possession. It may attack and bite in severe cases. Regardless of whether this behavior is due to fear or dominance, this act is one of ownership.

Remember back to the time when you were in high school. There was certainly a day or two in there where you had a bad experience. One where another student did not agree with you and no amount of arguing or repeating of facts could convince this person of your opinion. The reaction from your antagonist, to take a step closer and get into your face. The tone of voice was deeper and menacing. The words were blatantly abusive and intimidating. What was your reaction? For most people, this experience would reflect that time they encountered the “Bully”. Those encounters resulted more often than not in the affected person backing away, restoring that “bubble” of safe space between the two persons. Who won this argument? You, standing obviously on the correct side of the debate or that bully who just shut you up? Not sure? One thing is for sure, a boundary was set for you. There is no debating with this person and therefore no winning. You got ‘owned’ (dominance established).

Now, did you ever notice if there was a person or persons that the bully did not pester? I promise you, there were a few. These persons did not back down to the intimidation (whether or not by fighting) and established a new set of boundaries. That isn’t to say that those persons won the debate but they earned respect.

Dogs have a very similar ‘bubble’ that people have. Get too close to the timid dog that you do not know, and it hides or moves away, re-establishing its bubble. Get too close to the dominant dog and it may react harshly to your intrusion, driving you out of its bubble.

So, how do we show a dog leadership without actually training with it?

There are several big things that we can do that dogs understand.

Here is a list of actions that can be taken;

Eat before your dog(s) does (feed your puppy by hand)
Claim the kitchen when you are cooking (push your dog out)
Make your pup ‘work’ to get up on the couch or bed
Remove (boot) your pup off of the couch or bed often
Work door manners (you cross the threshold first, the dog follows)
Access to toys / high value items (restrict them to training only).

Done properly, all these actions will show your pup that you own the home.

Eating before your dog. The dominant dog, especially where prized foods are concerned, will claim its food and eat first and not allow others in a close proximity. Not only is this behavior found in nature but has also been observed in domestic dogs (13 Year study - Ref. Genetics and the Social Behavior of the dog).

Claiming Space. Dominant dogs will claim ‘space’ at home. Those areas are typically the couch and the bed but isn’t restricted to those two. These areas are inside its bubble. The kitchen is often seen by dogs as their source of food and difficult dogs will claim the area near the source. That might be a cabinet, the fridge or the person cooking. The doorway to the kitchen may even be blocked by a dominant pup. This trait of claiming space is found in most working dogs with few exceptions. Not only has this been verified scientifically but has been our experience working with extremely difficult dogs.

By making your dog work (Sit, Down, Touch, Shake, Play Dead, etc) before getting onto the couch (bed), he / she is earning the privilege to get up. If no basic obedience is present, the pup should at the very least be invited to join on the couch. By kicking them off (pushing them off), you are effectively claiming your space (re-establishing your bubble) and asserting your dominance.

Impulse Control. Specifically door manners are referenced here. Most dogs want to blast out the door to see what might be chased, whether that be a squirrel, bird, dog or person. By checking this behavior at the door, you are effectively placing yourself in the position as the decision maker about whether or not something is to be chased.

Toys or high value objects are often a point of contention with dogs. Removing these objects and only allowing access when you as the owner decide puts you in command. When allowing access, the pup should work for the toy! Sit, Down, Shake or the like. Not only are we taking charge but we are also increasing the dogs’ desire to work.

Whether you are bringing a puppy or a rescue into your home, it is very important to set those boundaries immediately.

Tip: Do NOT love on your pup for no reason! Make them earn the love. By loving on a pup (dog) too much and for the wrong reasons, you can inadvertently turn an otherwise good dog into one that will need a lot of training to re-establish good behavior.

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Separation Anxiety

by Stefanie Kunzelman • 9 February 2025

Dog separation anxiety is a common behavioral issue that affects many dogs when they are left alone or are separated from their owners. This anxiety can manifest in various forms of distress and destructive behaviors, which can be troublesome for both the dog and its owner. Understanding the underlying causes, recognizing the symptoms, and implementing effective solutions are essential to managing and alleviating separation anxiety in dogs. Dogs are creatures of habit, and any significant change in their daily routine can trigger anxiety. This could include changes in the owner's work schedule, moving to a new home, or a sudden alteration in the household dynamics, such as the arrival of a new family member or pet. Dogs that have experienced abandonment, abuse, or multiple re-homing situations are more likely to develop separation anxiety. The fear of being left alone again can cause significant stress and anxiety. Dogs that have not been properly trained to cope with being alone may struggle with separation anxiety. Early socialization and gradual acclimatization to periods of solitude are crucial in preventing anxiety from developing. One of the most common signs of separation anxiety is destructive behavior, such as chewing on furniture, scratching doors, or tearing up household items. This behavior is often a result of the dog's attempt to escape or alleviate its anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety may bark or howl excessively when left alone. This vocalization is a form of distress signaling and can be a significant indicator of anxiety. Despite being house-trained, dogs with separation anxiety may urinate or defecate indoors when left alone. This behavior is often linked to the stress and panic they experience in their owner's absence. Some dogs may try to escape from their confinement areas, such as crates or rooms, causing damage to doors, windows, or even injuring themselves in the process. Physical symptoms of anxiety, such as excessive drooling, panting, or shaking, can also be observed in dogs with separation anxiety. Gradual desensitization involves slowly acclimating the dog to being alone by starting with brief periods of separation and gradually increasing the duration over time. This helps the dog build confidence and reduce anxiety. Providing a safe and comfortable space for the dog, such as a crate or a designated room, can help reduce anxiety. This space should be equipped with the dog's favorite toys, bedding, and items that carry the owner's scent. Implementing positive reinforcement training techniques can help modify the dog's behavior. Rewarding calm behavior and gradually exposing the dog to being alone can help reduce anxiety. Ideally, it is best to start desensitizing dogs while they are still puppies or for the rescued pup, right from the first day they arrive at their new forever home. Begin by identifying what should be a safe space for your dog. The crate is recommended as it is practical because it can be taken with you on vacation or brought to another person’s home that is intending to watch out for the pup. Do not force your dog into the crate as it is to become a safe space. Reducing or eliminating separation anxiety will only happen through positive association with their safe space. Begin by tossing treats into the crate so the dog may find them and be rewarded for entering the crate. Once the dog is entering on its own to look for treats, place a treat in the crate and close the door. Position yourself comfortably next to the crate. The dog will begin to get excited, whining and scratching to get out. It is in this phase that you, the owner must remain strong. Whether out of sympathy for the pup or because the noise is so annoying, you will be inclined to let the dog out. Do not! You will be rewarding the dog for its bad behavior. Once your dog has calmed down, this may take several minutes or even longer, open the door, let your dog out and reward with treats and love. Repeat the above sequence many times a day. When your dog begins to relax right away when the door is closed, then you need to begin to put distance between you and the crate. When you are able, create that distance, then you start leaving the room, first for short periods of time and then increasing longer. Once the dog is used to you being away longer and out of sight in the home, then you start going outdoors. Again, start short then gradually increase the duration of the separation. When leaving home, do not give your dog ques that you are leaving for a longer period. Do you say “Goodbye” to your pup before heading to work? Do you say “Goodbye” to your dog when you go to the mailbox? Treat your dog the same way no matter what you are leaving the home for. Ensuring that the dog receives adequate mental and physical stimulation can help alleviate anxiety. Regular exercise, interactive toys, and puzzle feeders can keep the dog engaged and reduce stress levels. In severe cases of separation anxiety, seeking help from a professional dog trainer or a veterinarian may be necessary. They can provide specialized training programs or recommend medication to manage the anxiety. Dog separation anxiety is a challenging issue that requires patience, understanding, and consistent effort from the owner. By identifying the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and implementing effective solutions, owners can help their dogs overcome separation anxiety and lead happier, stress-free lives. The key to success lies in a combination of gradual desensitization, creating a safe environment, providing mental and physical stimulation, and seeking professional help when needed. With dedication and empathy, dog owners can significantly improve their pets' well-being and strengthen their bond. Videos with additional information / Technicks Cesar Millan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmVSLqCh-RI Beckman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAoDtfpBwVs Steve Mann https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vps9Es0T_5E The posting of these links does not necessarily mean that TCC endorses any of the other training methods presented by those authors! References • American Kennel Club. (2021). Separation Anxiety in Dogs. Retrieved from [URL] • PetMD. (2020). How to Help a Dog with Separation Anxiety. Retrieved from [URL] • ASPCA. (2019). Dog Behavior: Separation Anxiety. Retrieved from [URL]

Puppy Food Possessiveness

by Stefanie Kunzelman • 29 January 2025

One of the most annoying and often scary behaviors a dog can exhibit is Food Possessiveness towards people. In this blog we are going to address the topic of food possessiveness in puppies. What is a puppy? You could talk to 20 different people and get 20 different answers. In the world of training, the vast majority of trainers will tell you that a puppy (that is to be trained) is between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks. What are the defining characteristics of a puppy that is food possessive? Growling / flashing of teeth, stiffening of the body when you are near the food bowl when the dog is eating Growling / flashing of teeth, stiffening of the body when your hand approaches the food bowl while the dog is eating. Growling / flashing of teeth, stiffening of the body when you are petting the dog while it is eating Why does a puppy (and dogs) show this bad behavior? Simply put, they do not want their food to be taken away. How to address this behavior in a puppy (or a dog)? Show and ingrain in the puppy that we do NOT intend to take their food away! The best way to address this behavior is when the dog is a puppy! If you Google the topic or go on YouTube, you will find a multitude of information on the subject. One thing that I have noticed is that a lot of those people providing the information seem to be stuck on their ‘method’. What I would like to emphasize is that nearly all the methods that I have seen are good! The best methods that I would recommend are listed below. Things you should do (for puppies!): Touching / petting the puppy while it is eating, provoking the bad behavior. If the bad behavior is exhibited, continue petting until it seems less then stop If there is no bad behavior, stop petting sooner Offer higher rewards (to draw the puppy away from its food) You must offer something to the puppy that is of higher food value than what they have in their bowl! If the pup is being fed kibble then offer a jerky If the pup is being fed wet food then offer a food scrap (piece of chicken or steak – can be raw if you know the pup likes it) With your hand close to bowl, call their name, entice them and give the treat When the pup is used to this, call them off the bowl a few feet before giving the treat, or Entice them away from the bowl, while giving the treat, pick up the bowl. Place the bowl back down in front of the pup after a short moment Feed the puppy by hand With the food bowl on the ground, drop the kibble bit by bit into the bowl. The pup sees the food is coming from you! Train with the food This is a method often used by dog trainers, the advantages The puppy is always hungry and driven to work for the food The puppy learns that the food comes from the human The puppy does not learn to guard a food bowl in the first place Things you should NOT do: Do not ‘correct’ your puppy You want to have the most loyal and playful dog! Corrections at this age will dampen your pups’ feelings towards you. Unless using the training or feed by hand method (breakfast is used as the reward during training), do not constantly intervene in your pups feeding time. It may annoy the pup and possibly have the opposite results! For more detailed information, the following links have been listed: 1. How to Stop Puppy Resource Guarding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oyft03x6cU 2. How to Deal With FOOD AGGRESSIVE PUPPIES! | Shield K9 Clips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VM0N_4jx9M The posting of these links does not necessarily mean that TCC endorses any of the other training methods presented by those authors!