I used to think that my dog’s behavior was just fine the way it was. However, that’s not because my dogs obeyed completely. I just felt that I had enough control to be safe and that the rest was too much work. Does that sound familiar?
I find that many people live with their dog’s unsatisfactory behavior for one of a few reasons.
1) They don’t know what to do about it
2) They have control sometimes (but not always)
3) Its not a priority to fix – Issue is not considered a big deal
4) They think it would be too much work to fix
~ Life as a Giant Rottweiler ~
I have a large dog whose name is Havoc. Havoc is a GIANT Rottweiler. The mere sight of Havoc at the dog park seems to mean that many people leave shortly after I arrive at the dog park. What they don’t realize is that Havoc is well behaved (although he does like his space) and he isn’t aggressive in the least. The dogs that stick around mingle just fine and everyone realizes that he’s just a spectacular giant black dog that wants to be loved (in his own way) just as much as that small lap dog that everyone is fawning over (I see you over there with your dog on your lap…)
~ A peek through the window of how things used to be ~
It wasn’t always sunshine & roses. In the beginning Havoc who I rescued at 1 year of age was a big black chicken! The slightest noise would send him running. He wouldn’t go into his crate as he was afraid. He didn’t know how to navigate stairs and so he would LUNGE up the stairs and jump down the stairs 4 at a time and SLAM into the wall. He didn’t realize where to relieve himself and so he hiked up his leg and a waterfall christened the door frame of my upstairs bathroom. He would get so excited when anyone returned home from being out that he would pee on the floor if anyone even looked like they might pet him. Being such a large dog walking him meant you thought you entered a tractor pull event. One bark from him meant the neighbors 3 blocks away heard it. If anyone tried to pet him he would nip at their hand and give them a sharp bark. He would chew the wood molding on the stairs and as you can imagine with those jaws the wood didn’t stand a chance. These are just a few of the issues that come to mind.
~ How things have progressed / where we are today ~
Since that time Havoc has learned that he can switch off and just be a dog. I am in charge and make ALL of the important decisions and handle ALL danger etc. Havoc can be left alone in the house without chewing anything but his approved toys. He lets us know when he needs to relieve himself as well as going out at our set times or when told to go out (after he eats etc.). He only barks once to let us know of danger (but only at things out of the ordinary) even though we have neighbor dogs that bark frequently. He can be let off leash and can be counted on to follow me and come when called. He lets people pet him (provided they are calm and gentle – otherwise he runs away). Havoc is still a shy dog to some degree which I believe is his personality type. Dogs each are different in the same way the people are different with our own personalities. Havoc is 9 years old now by the way :) We have come a long way!
~ Point to Ponder ~
Someone told me early on that if you get a Rottweiler that you better have a strong personality because Rottweilers need a strong leader. While I agree with this.. I would venture to say that most if not all dogs would benefit from strong leadership. If fact I believe that dogs NEED a leader in their lives. If you don’t take charge in a way they understand (and they will test you) they will assume the role of leader.
~ What I have learned over time ~
As I mentioned stopping your dogs unwanted behavior does not have to be difficult or require extensive time invested. Assuming the role of leader in your dog’s life is the all-important first step it does not require time-consuming or repetitive exercises that you repeat over and over until you “train” your dog nor does it require force, fear or aggressive techniques. Many of the dogs unwanted behaviors can be corrected with just a few steps to gain their respect and trust.
This is a part of my story and I would love to hear yours! Other opinions welcome! Share your thoughts!
Thanks for reading! Hopefully, you found something helpful!
If you have any questions or would like help with your dogs please feel free to reach out via email at curiositysatisfieddogcamp@gmail.com
or by phone at 215-374-9723 or send me a message on Facebook!
Steve Comando
Curiosity Satisfied Dog Camp
CuriositySatisfiedDogCamp.com
Only wanna state that this is extremely helpful, Thanks for taking your time to write this. Maxine Wyatt Britt
There is certainly a great deal to learn about this subject. I love all the points you made.