Today I added a 22 minute streaming video on the web page for my pack structure DVD. I think everyone will find it interesting because while it's designed to promote the DVD to people who have not yet bought the DVD - it's also got a lot of training information.

If you already have the DVD I should mention that the video footage in this streaming video was not used in the production of the training video (I had better footage for the training video). I think you will be amazed at the level of aggression displayed by a litter of 8 week old pups establishing pack structure with one another in this clip.

http://leerburg.com/308.htm

That was fantastic footage, Ed, and I will certainly direct my clients to it. It's been my experience that many people don't believe it until they see it and this was a great visual for people that really brings the point home.

This thread needed a bump

Great footage Ed, I really appreciate you putting that on so we could watch it. Too bad it couldn't have fit into the establishing pack structure dvd. I have the establishing pack structure dvd, our little cody is a dog who needs extra consistency since he would like to be the dominate dog when he grows up,(he is 5 months old). I plan on getting the dominate dog dvd next. Your experience and insight has helped me greatly and I refer everyone who has a question about their dog to your sight. I too cringe when I see the things some of the dog trainer, or people trainers do on tv with the dogs. then they leave the owners to carry these things out and I wonder how many disasters happen that we never hear about.
thank you again for your sight and the help you have given many

Wow! That was an eye opener.
Ed, I was glad to hear you mention that trying to elevate a small child to be above the dog in pack structure isn't neccessarily the way to go.

I have a 5 year old son and a 7 month old bullmastiff mix and I know I have not been successful in doing this. (I have my own issues that I am constantly working on regarding pack structure, let alone trying to elevate my son's status in our 'pack'.)

Constant supervision and rules about what my son can and can't do with our puppy, and enforcement w/ the pup about what she can and can't do with my son have worked better for us.

Knowing what I do now, (thanks mostly to your videos and this website) I would have waited until my son was 8 or 9 before getting a puppy. (as they say, hindsight is 20/20!)

Thanks...

This was great!! Thanks!

A couple of things which caught my attention, that I'd like to clarify. The first situation was when the first puppy had the bone, the dominant yellow girl was in the room, she seemed really nonchalant. Yellow collar appeared to be the least interested in the bone. She wasn't posturing or making waves. While I watched her I thought to myself, she's going to get that bone, because while everyone else is distracted fighting for it she is just going to take it. I hadn't realized yet she was dominant. I did think the most dominant would be more aggressive. You learn something new everyday

Also, when she had possesion of the bone her body language was completely relaxed and the other pups gave her space. How did she develop this confidence? Is this genetically programmed and recognized by the rest of the litter or had she proven herself as the litter developed, or maybe the bitch treats the puppies differently based on what she sees?

The next thing that I found completely amazing, was when Cindy entered the room. Up until that point, all the pups were respecting yellow collar's space, however; as Cindy approached they swarmed yellow collar. Is that because, Cindy is alpha (what a bitch ) and the dominant pup or any of the pups for that matter are not going to aggress in the presence of the alpha? That scene more than any other, proved to me if you are your dog's leader 99% of any issues will not ever ocur or will resolve when you establish rank. Cindy's presence leveled the playing field. I could not tell which puppies were more dominant or submissive, they all behaved as equals to one another in her presence, a very peaceful scene. Thanks again!

I'm ordering the dvd.......there was SO much there that cleared up the matter for me....I've been a Dog Whisperer fan since day one but the info on this site always goes so much further. One thing I love about the dvd's is that I can watch over and over until things get thru my thick skull....which can take a considerable amount of time! Thanks Ed and Cindy for all your hard work and generosity in sharing the wealth of experience and knowlege you've gained!

That was great video. I wish I had more time to spend on this site. I just became involved in a training company and I am soaking up as much info as possible. I really appreciate all the great stuff on this web site. Keep up the good work

Ed, this video is awesome. I found it yesterday (without having seen this thread) in an effort to provide someone else with links to good info on your site related to this topic. You and Cindy continue to do an awesome job providing valuable information to dog owners everywhere.

Gary and I first found Leerburg when we were dealing with a dog on dog agression problem among pets - this was probably 4.5 years ago. You had great info then, and even MORE info now.

Thanks for all you do.

Beth & Gary

Ed, thank you for sharing this video. I have a number of your training videos and will purchase this one as well to gain further insight into the topic as well as to enhance the relationship between our GSD (working line) and family. Based on this video, I do not think I have a significant pack structure/leadership issue, but one thing you stated makes me think I need further work on this, and perhaps will help me resolve an issue I am having.

You said: "Once a dog accepts a pack leader, that dog becomes calm and submissive. ... The dog learns that guests to the home are the pack leader's guests and not intruders or people for the dog to either play with or become aggressive towards."

My pup, Niko (13 months), has bad door manners. He does not show aggression, but he is overly excited/rambuntiously playful when people come to the house (or if people approach him outside). If you have a chance, please see my thread Very Very Excited When Greeting Strangers. I would love your thoughts.

Thank you