New here- just picked up the vdeos and still learning but one thing I read was that "Pack Leaders are aloof" I know what the concept is but how do you interpret it and apply it?
I am wondering if I am to lovey dovey with my dogs now...
Mary Velazquez Webboard User Reg: 12-24-2007
Posts: 575
Loc: Texas
Offline
Aloof- its complete confidence and no emotional dependence (shown :wink: )
-doesnt ask for things to be done, isnt afraid of being de-throned. If you can imagine the dogs interacting; its the way the mother dog acts toward the puppies, they come and jump all over her in joy and lick her face and she just sits there putting up with it till they get too annoying...
Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
Posts: 2784
Loc: Toronto, ON
Offline
You need to be the most exciting thing in the world to your dogs, not boring and disinterested. But you need to be self assured and firm with your handling. Ofcourse, puppies are puppies, you don't have to be a drill sergent with them nor expect them to perform miracles. Just be a fun happy enthusiastic person they love to be around, without being a pansy pushover, if that makes sense.
For example, if you have a puppy that likes to bite alot... some people might try and grab the puppies cautiously and avoid the teeth, lots of hesitation. Another person just reaches out and grabs the pup in a direct confident way. You want to be that 2nd person, who doesn't hesitate or second guess your actions.
Sandy Moore Webboard User Reg: 07-25-2006
Posts: 2665
Loc: AZ
Offline
But the mother dog is affectionate with her pups. She licks them and plays with them, as well as disciplines them. I don't feel aloofness is necessary with all dogs and then only in certain cases, and usually temporary in order to establish leadership with very dominant dogs.
For example, I can't imagine not giving a dog affection. They give it to us. There IS an emotional dependency on both sides (I'd rather call it love). We show it in the way we interact with them daily. They show it also. Why pretend?
If someone changes the way they interact with their dogs out of the blue, if there's no reason for it, the dogs will get confused. I see nothing to be gained from it. On the contrary, the dogs will be affected negatively. If everything is fine and human leadership is in place, why mess with it?
Mary Velazquez Webboard User Reg: 12-24-2007
Posts: 575
Loc: Texas
Offline
thanks, Mike, my explanation was patchy.
not ignoring them, just the quiet strong character, more interesting, more stable, the unrivaled leader...All the fun stuff happens when their with you but they can never make you loose your temper or get edgy because your the leader and know that no one challenges you. You teach them what not to do in a calm, patient way. but I like the visual aid of the way the mother is with the puppies, she plays with them, and takes care of them. but is obviously the one who they all respect.
oops, didnt see you post, Sandy.
I agree, I think the Aloofness is for the starting out of the relationship, and Im pretty sure that Ed says this in his article. Its not for me to suck up to the dog to make it like me, it has to respect me and then we start to trust and be affectionate when we start working together.
The "Isolation Phase" is what I think the video calls it. The dog sees you as not needing it's affection as much as it needing yours. Once the dog realizes you are the pack leader and it's the dog's job to please you then you can interact and show more affection.
How long this takes is really up to the dog. Some dogs immediately pick this up (especially if you are an experienced pack leader) and others may need a week or two. It depends on how independent the dog is. I did this pretty much accidentally with Molly. I kept her in a shed for a few days because I thought she belonged to someone and I didn't want to get all bonded with the pup then have to give her back to her original owner.
But the mother dog is affectionate with her pups. She licks them and plays with them, as well as disciplines them. I don't feel aloofness is necessary with all dogs and then only in certain cases, and usually temporary in order to establish leadership with very dominant dogs.
For example, I can't imagine not giving a dog affection. They give it to us. There IS an emotional dependency on both sides (I'd rather call it love). We show it in the way we interact with them daily. They show it also. Why pretend?
If someone changes the way they interact with their dogs out of the blue, if there's no reason for it, the dogs will get confused. I see nothing to be gained from it. On the contrary, the dogs will be affected negatively. If everything is fine and human leadership is in place, why mess with it?
Many people misconstrue what is affection and what is dominance and manipulation on the dog's part. Not like dog's think out some master plan or anything LOL but so many people think their dogs are showing affection when in reality it's dominance.
i.e. climbing in their lap and laying on them, laying their head on them, pawing them for petting, etc....
many people have nice balanced relationships with their dogs but judging from the emails Ed and I get every day many people don't.
As for the mother dog being aloof, I think that is the perfect example. She's firm but fair, and will play when it suits her and gives predictable signals . She doesn't get all silly and gush all over her puppies like I have seen people do with their dogs. she's not wishy washy.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
The Pack Leader is aloof?
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
