By Minou Tpain

Dog = Teacher?

The answer to this question is NO. And it’s also a little yes.

There are only two times I might utilize a dog as a teacher:
1. When teaching a new trick that another dog already knows-some dogs can learn new skills by copying other dogs
2. When introducing a new member to my pack

So let’s talk about the second one-
When I introduce a new member to my pack it’s not that I’m asking my dogs to teach the new pack member everything he needs to know. It’s more of showing the new dog our routine as well as showing the new dog who the leader of the household is. I utilize this method every time a new dog comes into my home. I want this new dog to see that I am the one the dogs come to to be fed, to be let out, to be exercised and mentally stimulated as well as played with. I am the director of everything and the source of all goodness. In the beginning when the dog is unsure, yes I will allow him to watch the other dogs, and follow along but this does not mean I am asking anything of my dogs in any way other than to do what they normally do. Nor am I asking them to ever correct the new pack member.

But what’s important is while the new dog may rely on my current dogs to show him what is safe and what is not, that new dog should eventually rely on me, the human to help him through those moments, to let him know what to do and what’s expected in every situation, he should no longer be relying on my dogs. So while this is acceptable in the very beginning it’s not acceptable for the remainder of that dog’s life.

So if you feel that your dog still rely’s on your other dogs for direction consistently, there may be a breakdown in your relationship. Be reflective and think about what might need to change in order for that dog to see you as the one he should rely on, always.

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