Are You the Alpha With Your Pets?

A few years ago I rescued Luba, a beagle/dachshund mix. I did not expect to have any training difficulties since my previous dogs had been so sweet-tempered. Little did I know how willful this breed combination could be, but I also did not understand how my training or lack thereof really contributed a lot to her willfulness. All became clear to me when I read this fabulous book: The Dog Listener: Learning the Language of Your Best Friend by Jan Fennell.

You may need to get this book if you have a dog who exhibits any of the following behaviors:

• Jumps up on you when you come in
• Pulls on the leash and drags you on the walk
• Incessant barking at visitors
• Biting
• Separation anxiety
• Soiling in the home
• Travel problems
• Tail-chasers and feet-chewers
• Running off
• Fear of noises
• Overprotective with a family member

Jan Fennell feels that there is an “instinctive, unspoken language that we share with our dogs (that) has been lost.” Many dog owners have said that my dog only does these negative behaviors with a certain family member. What signals are being given by that individual that brings out the worst in the dog?

According to the book, all these negative behaviors relate to the dog believing that he/she is in charge and not the humans. Jan’s approach to these issues involves YOU becoming the ultimate ruler, leader or Alpha so that your dog does not anxiously take on the responsibility for the welfare of the household. Jan uses what is called the Amichien Bonding Approach. Positive associations are developed with the desired behaviors initially using food as the reward. Once the positive associations are made the dog has learned to make the choice to behave.

It is not easy to break your habits that have given your dog the impression that he/she is in charge. All training requires that you be consistent and calm. Often the dog learns within minutes how to behave without any shouting or angry punishments being administered. Once you have established yourself as the Alpha and the dog has chosen to act “properly,” all negative behaviors disappear.

B.F. Skinner said psychological disorders are best treated by altering behavior patterns or modifying the environment. Jan definitely agrees with this and spent a great deal of time studying wolves in the wild to figure out their behavior patterns so that she would know how the Alpha and the subordinates behaved. She also was fortunate enough to observe Monty Roberts, known as the horse listener, work with horses who had behavior issues. She adapted his approach and thus became “the dog listener.”

I am happy to report the results with my dog Luba. Since using the techniques in the book Luba is much calmer and better behaved. My husband and I are learning to be Alphas. I hope that you will consider reading this book, The Dog Listener, especially if your dog is exhibiting any of the behaviors listed above. I wish you, your family and your dog(s) a loving and harmonious time together.