Nurturing a Better Dog, Trick No. 6: Eat First!

Leaders Get the Richest Pickings

One of the most important occasions for dogs to establish hierarchy is at mealtimes. Simply and understandably, the alphas have the best or first pickings; it ensures they can stay strong to lead the group while reminding the rest of the pack of the status quo. While some lower-ranking dogs may try to edge in to take what the lead dog is guarding, the alpha will put them back in their place with a snarl, a growl, a bearing of the teeth, or maybe even a snap. Some people believe their dog already respects them as leader because he or she will sit nicely and not eat until told to, but this is obedience, not leadership, and your dog may actually think that he or she has got YOU trained to give your food up just by sitting nicely. Once the food is on the floor, your dog knows it’s his or hers and not yours, so that waiting until you say ‘OK!’ really has little bearing on how he or she perceives his or her status.

Going Back to the Wild


At 1:00 of this video is a great clip of British wolf expert Shaun Ellis asserting his role as pack leader to four adult-sized wolves he has hand-reared. Hunching over the carcass of a deer in which he had secreted a sealed bag of all the prime bits, cooked for his benefit, Shaun sees off several challenges for the prized organs by snarling and growling in the face of a large wolf who is doing the same in an attempt to force Shaun to back down. If he had shown fear or weakness and allowed the challenger to move in on the best pieces, it would have been a clear indication that he is not fit to lead. But he didn’t; he defended the organs and his status as pack leader remained assured, and balance was maintained within his pack.

How to Prepare

So, for this lesson, you need to first procure the carcass of a deer or any similar large prey animal—no, just kidding; all you need to prepare for this technique is a small snack, such as some cookies or fruit, or, if you prefer, just get ready to do some award-winning acting before a drooling canine audience. Let’s assume you prepare your dog’s food in the kitchen, and it is something that your dog is always hungry for (a natural diet of raw, meaty bones is not only extremely healthy for your dog, but always scoffed heartily—wolfed down, if you will—unlike processed pellets that we tend to feed out of convenience and misplaced trust in advertising; but more on that in a later article). Simply prepare your dog’s food bowl while completely ignoring him or her, and place it on the kitchen counter next to your snack when ready. Remember, if your dog is, like most dogs, tired of eating processed convenience food, do this exercise with something he or she will relish, such as a raw egg, or a piece of meat, or anything else that dogs love (and is healthy for them, if possible).

Wait While Ignoring

Now, your dog has probably up until now been given his or her food immediately after it’s prepared, or perhaps after telling you to give it to him or her by sitting nicely or staring (you thought you were controlling your dog at this point, didn’t you; you weren’t—your dog is under the impression that all it takes is a little trick or two of his or her own to get the food he or she was coveting). This time, however, you will completely ignore your dog after the food is prepared, and instead of giving it to him or her, you will act aloof and pretend to eat from the bowl. You can eat the snack you put the bowl next to or just pretend to be eating the dog’s food, but the whole time you must ignore your dog completely. If he or she makes a noise, ignore or correct with an ‘Ah!’ or ‘Eh!’ sound. If your dog tries to jump up, step into him or her making the same abrupt ‘Eh!’ or ‘Ah!’ sound as though to say ‘Hey! Back off!’ or ‘Don’t you dare!’ (Don’t say these things; project the attitude behind them using posture and tone). Then act aloof again and continue to pretend to eat the dog’s food.

Reward Respectful Behaviour

You will notice out of the corner of your eye that your dog will stop demanding so much now and will probably be sitting nicely. That’s great, but not good enough—all the time your dog is staring at you or the food, it is a demand to have it, so keep on pretending to eat until the moment your dog looks away, even briefly. Now, you could put the food down at this point and then walk away (don’t watch your dog eat, as it will seem like you want the food he or she is eating, and, as you’re not getting it, your status will be lowered). But better is to wait even longer until your dog shows absolutely no interest in the food. This may take a little time, but if you’re prepared to wait, it will happen. Your dog will likely turn his or her back to you and lie down—a clear signal that he or she respects and trusts you. If you wait until that moment to put the food down, then you will find your dog listens to you so much better later.

Act, Dammit! Act!

When practicing this trick, really put on an Academy Award-winning performance: act totally regal, with head up and showing aloofness; totally ignore your dog; really pretend to enjoy eating the food that your dog wants; and act out feeling full with what you’ve pretended to eat and no longer wanting any more just before you put the bowl down. Have fun with it. Enjoy the various reactions your dog will go through as you demonstrate your top-dog status with his or her food. And have a very clear vision in your mind of how you expect this to turn out but also know how you will correct any unwanted behaviours so they don’t take you too far off track. Really have fun playing at being the alpha—just fake it til you make it—and realise that you being your dog's leader is in fact rewarding for both of you.

As I Say Every Time, Consistency is Key

Do this with you dog every day, with his or her food, with treats, with toys, even when he or she wants to go for a walk, and you will feel a whole much better relationship develop between you as you are now acting more consistently with your rightful role as the one calling the shots. Get all your household members to practice this, and even have house guests do it if your dog has shown issues with strangers (remember to have them walk your dog too). After a while, your dog will assume the non-demanding, respectful position almost as soon as the food is ready, but you should still wait a while to give the impression that you are eating first—you could, though, praise him or her at this point if it doesn’t provoke excitement.

Assumed Leadership

This is the clearest, most powerful way to show your dog where he or she belongs within your household hierarchy. But here’s something that I so often see when teaching people these tricks at their homes: after I have lead the dog on a walk after going through doors first and totally controlled his or her behaviour, he or she will usually assume a non-demanding, non-eyeballing position as soon as I prepare his or her food, even if he or she had always got excited at feeding times previously. So don’t be surprised if this goes much better than you’d imagined; if you have been practicing the previous lessons properly, your dog may already know never to challenge you for food.

Summary

Here's a quick recap of the most important points:

• Meals are the most powerful times to establish hierarchy
• Alphas eat first and get the prime bits
• Having your dog sitting and staring at his bowl until you say 'OK' is NOT leadership in a dog's eyes
• Put your dog's food next to a snack you want to eat
• Pretend to eat your dog's food by eating the snack or just acting as though eating from his or her bowl
• Act aloof and ignore throughout, but watch your dog from the corner of your eye or in a reflection
• Really act the role
  
• When your dog stops staring, you can pretend you've finished and put the bowl down
• BETTER: Wait until your dog not only stops staring, but also turns his or her back and/or lies down
• Correct any jumping up but otherwise ignore
• Do not watch your dog eat, as you don't want to give the impression that your dog now has something you want but can't get
• If your dog is understandably bored with grain-based, convenience foods, such as dry or canned food, consider a natural diet of raw, meaty bones (more info in the next series) or healthy treats that you know he or she likes
• Be consistent—that goes for others in the house too
  

So, enjoy your dog’s food (well, pretend to), and let me know how it goes!

Seán

訓練乖狗教戰守則之一：遛狗

把精力遛光
對很多家有惡犬的主人來說，訓練狗狗的方法很簡單：給牠大量運動就對了。「就這樣嗎？」你可能會問。「多數情況是這樣沒錯。」這是我的回答。大家對養狗常有一個錯誤認知，那就是以為狗狗需要住在有大院子的大房子裡，才有空間可以奔跑。所以我常聽到有意來認養狗狗的人，推託說因為「我住在小公寓，這樣對狗不公平。」而不能養狗。其實，狗狗常因為覺得擁有很大的「領土」，必須肩負起守衛責任而感到壓力沈重。至於那些因為主人「施恩」而每天被限制在院子裡活動的狗狗，也快樂不到哪去。

最快樂、身心最均衡的狗狗，在於能擁有一小塊自己專屬的領土，並且每天散上45分鐘的步。沒錯，要45分鐘，當然這45分鐘可以拆成很多段來進行，尤其如果你的狗狗只能在外頭上廁所的話，本來就應該一天帶他們出去散步三次，如果狗狗不到八個月，散步次數則更多。不過，如果能一次散夠長的步是最好的，對人狗都有益處，因為狗狗可以藉由正常的管道抒發身心活力。事實上，如果你不能每天提供狗狗足夠的運動，就算上再多的訓練課程，效果也很有限。

滿足牠的需要
狗狗有向外探索的天性，想到處聞聞剛有什麼東西經過，不顧一切的往前衝，滿足自己對外頭世界的好奇心，並且和親愛的主人一起分享，這時候，為牠牽起牽繩就能讓人狗都享受到這份樂趣。被關越久的狗狗，會壓抑越多的情緒，若是多餘的精力不能得到正當抒發，就會演變成任何你不想見識的邪惡力量，像是破壞行為、吠叫、緊張或攻擊性。難怪，在我養的狗中，一聽到外頭有風吹草動就吠叫的，通常是殘障狗，因為牠們不能透過散步來宣洩精力和獲得刺激。而在我住的社區中，那些一看到路人經過就叫個不停、低吼示威或動輒抓狂的狗，則是那些「有幸」住在院子裡，卻哪裡也去不了的狗。

想像一下，如果成天被限制在自家內，或甚至只能在院子或花園裡行動，完全不能走出家門看看外面的世界，你會變得多麼憤怒和緊張，接著開始出現怪異的行為，不是想盡辦法宣洩精力或尋求刺激，就是自我封閉，成天悶悶不樂。你的狗也是，牠們每天若能跟在領袖身邊散個步，就會感覺滿足快樂。當然像玩撿球或拔河遊戲，也有助於幫助抒發精力，但是長長的散步還是最有效的方法。

一獨處就容緊張或吠叫的狗狗，事先帶牠散步最有效。就連最愛搗蛋或具有攻擊性的狗，當精力得到宣洩時，很容易就冷靜下來。一條疲累的狗，就是好狗。就算生性神經兮兮的狗也不例外。狗狗的行為，會隨著散步品質和時間的增加而改善。

控制問題
但就多數情況來說，遛狗最好繫上牽繩。這是因為，如果你想要矯正狗狗的不當行為，就必須先控制牠（同時也要控制自己的觀念、肢體語言和心情）。另外，若你遛狗的方式正確，不但可以鞏固自己的領袖地位，也可以訂定整個團隊（其實也就是人與狗）的行為準則，包括該去注意什麼，該追逐什麼，該對什麼吠叫，該小心什麼，或該攻擊什麼等。只要繫上牽繩並在適當時候加以阻止，就可避免狗狗去追咬其他狗，因為在遛狗途中狗狗已經得到清楚的指示，那種展開追逐帶來的刺激快感，已經得到克制與遏止。同樣的，這個道理也可以應用在管教其他不當行為上，就連最惡霸的狗也不例外。

不過，問題來了。如果你家的狗毛病很多，遛狗可能會變成一件令人頭痛的事，因為狗狗老是會暴衝，不是撲在路人身上，就是閃車，或者對其他「路狗」吠叫。幸好，只要繼續照著我接下來的守則作，就可以擁有一條氣定神閒、寸步不離乖乖走在你身旁的模範狗，只專心享受散步的快樂，完全不理會外在的誘惑。不相信嗎？你遲早會改觀，只要照著作，馬上會看到成效。

主人也受益
科學已證實，每天散步就是讓狗狗快樂、健康、長壽又抒壓的秘訣。如果你一直視遛狗如畏途，覺得這是一件無聊苦差事的話，不妨趕緊改觀，把它看做是狗狗送你的每日驚喜，有助於你出去呼吸新鮮空氣、舒展筋骨，把一天的壓力拋諸腦後。更棒的是，這是免費的活動！只要狗狗可以乖乖的走在你身邊，我保證，就算再討厭遛狗的人，也會開始從中獲得樂趣，而且「感覺良好」，尤其你發現人狗之間的關係也因此大為改善。很多人都說，隨著遛狗的時間增加，自己和狗狗的關係也變得更緊密。

所以，趕快關上電腦螢幕，把目光放到狗狗身上吧。問問自己，牠現在想作什麼？想想看，只要每天重複做一件簡單小事，就可以改善狗狗的行為，又可以增進自己的健康快樂，多麼棒！快拿起牽繩，對那個四腳同伴微笑，散一個長長的步吧。一個簡單步驟，就可以培養出一條人見人愛的乖狗，也可以讓自己的人生更樂活，快點和牠一起到外面的世界闖一闖吧。

祝你遛狗愉快！

訓練乖狗十大教戰守則

如何克服狗狗的行為問題
從今天開始，我會分享一系列有關如何教養狗狗的文章。不管你家寶貝有什麼行為上的問題，舉凡沒大沒小、具攻擊性、偏執行為、走路暴衝、吠叫或破壞家具等毛病，只要照著我提供的十個簡單步驟作，就能解決問題。其中有些方法相當基本，主要在激發狗狗的優點，有些方法則是讓狗狗知道你的主人地位，明白只有你才可以訂規矩。儘管這些方法簡單，但你很快就會發現，實行起來的效果十分驚人。

當個稱職成功的主人，最重要的是在狗狗出現不良行為時保持沈著冷靜，以自信的肢體語言和語氣加以指正；另外也要懂得以開放的身體姿勢和嘉獎語氣來鼓勵狗狗某些行為。千萬不要對狗吼叫或拳腳相向，因為這只會讓狗更怕你，進而衍生出更多不當行為。記得，重點是要以平和、穩重的態度，讓狗狗分辨對與錯。

改變比想像的快
狗狗學習速度很快，但問題在於，很多時候我們並不知道自己已在無形中「教導」了牠們。很多人曾請我幫忙矯正行為嚴重偏差的狗狗，我卻發現，這些主人早在不知不覺中鼓勵狗狗的惡行，同時也阻礙狗狗「向善」。我會教大家如何「撥亂為正」，讓狗狗學會「分辨善惡」。

好消息是，狗狗很快就會接受新的領導者，並決定自己的位階，所以你會發現，狗狗許多行為問題會立刻獲得解決。只要你表現出好領袖的風範，狗狗自然會跟從。大多數的狗狗都很樂意交出領導旗幟，扮演跟隨者的角色，如此一來身上所背負的壓力和焦慮就可以大為減輕。但你同時要瞭解和接受的是，狗狗每天都會挑戰領袖地位，這麼做不是出於輕視或故意作對，而是出於天性，牠們想確定這個團隊結構是否穩固，領袖是否可靠。如果發現情況不對，就要有新的領袖取而代之，而這時就會產生問題，因為並非人人都是當領袖的料，強出頭的結果就是自己妄下決定，無故亂叫、膽怯、追逐或攻擊等。只要你堅守自己的規則，狗狗自然會服從；只要你一鬆懈，狗狗就會趁機測試你的底線，然後開始打鬼主意想要篡位。

這也難怪，有很多緊張兮兮的狗，主人卻是好的不得了，這當然是因為主人不願在必要的時候，例如狗狗出現不當行為時，對狗狗採取嚴格管教。有些人以為，一旦自己開始出手管教或展現領導地位，狗狗就會離他而去，這真是無稽的想法。狗狗需要冷靜沈著的主人，才能感到安心。當我把牽繩套在一隻緊張或焦慮的狗狗身上，然後只輕輕拖住牠，阻止牠後退、拉扯時，接下來發生的事常會讓主人大呼不可思議：因為狗狗不但立刻停止拉扯，還會朝我走來，如果我當時坐在地上的話，牠甚至會爬到我腿上獻上擁抱。這全是因為我展現出主人所沒有的冷靜沈著。所以當主人親眼見到原本的「惡犬」突然會向陌生人示好時，他們才明白，所謂的「好主人」就是必須順應狗狗的需要，就算有違人類的本性也不例外。

而這也是身為團體領袖必須具備的特質：訓練狗不能靠直覺反應，而是要靠牠們的語言讓牠們瞭解誰是老大，規矩是什麼。每當我出面管教一隻狗時，會設法改變狗狗看待主人的眼光，而主人也學會在必要的時候保持態度堅定，在該放鬆時候盡情和狗狗一起享樂。

你也作得到
所以，主人們，開始準備上課囉。以下課程內容全都根據過去我幫狗狗矯正行為問題的經驗而來。有些人上過課以後，很快就能找到問題關鍵，作出必要的改變，就算只靠自己也能快速改善狗狗的問題。我希望你也能快速上手，並且在過程中提出觀察、評論或發問，這樣我也能修改課程內容，讓大家都受益。有些人必須看到實際操作才能吸收，所以我隨後也會附上教學影片，但也有些人認為自家的狗狗天生就與眾不同，這些方法絕對起不了作用，然後用盡各種藉口說這樣做就是行不通。針對這些主人，我願意僅收取微薄費用，親自和你家狗狗進行一對一教學，如果上課後你看不到顯著改變，我保證不收一毛錢。這些方法保證有用，你首先要親眼看到成效，就會相信。

不管你家狗狗問題是什麼，都是可以矯正的。當大家問米開朗基羅，他究竟如何把一塊冷冰冰的石頭變成栩栩如生的雕像時，他的回答總讓大家意外，因為他說自己無須創造什麼，只是放手去作，把原本隱藏在石頭中的美麗作品釋放出來而已，而你也可以這麼作。再壞的狗狗，心裡其實都藏著一隻好狗，千萬別以為把壞狗變好，是不可能的任務，因為狗狗的本質都是良善的，只是必須靠你幫牠移除阻礙物。狗狗是你的鏡子，如果你是好主人，狗狗就會變成好隨從，而別忘了，人人都可以當個好主人。

放輕鬆享受課程吧
但是，千萬不要過份講究完美，記得，每隻狗狗個性不同，在社交或體力方面自然會有不同表現。像我自己的狗，除了「來」和「放下」以外，其實聽不懂什麼指令。我喜歡狗狗保有自己的「性格」，也不喜歡看到狗狗一舉一動都受人類限制。避免當個控制狂，人、狗都會快樂些，只要在適當範圍內規範牠的行為準則，就夠了。

所以，好好享受接下來的課程吧！和狗狗一起練習，並且隨時把意見、心得和問題貼上來與我分享，以供我隨時修正。我隨後也會修訂文章，歡迎訂閱我的部落格。

相信你和狗狗很快就能過著幸福快樂的生活！

Nurturing a Better Dog, Trick No. 5: Ignore Excited Greetings

It's All Important

If you have been following the series so far, I hope will have been practicing the techniques and already experiencing a positive change in your dog's behaviour. Although the methods are simple and some may seem to have nothing to do with your own dog's issues, by practicing them all regularly and consistently, you will be laying the foundations for a much happier, healthier, relaxed dog—and you. So, please, before you read on, go back and absorb the previous lessons and start practicing them from now on; you really will see great improvement just by following the previous advice.

This next lesson, although seemingly ineffectual at first glance, has the potential to bring about a huge difference for the better in your dog's behaviour, particularly if they have issues with excitability, anxiety, separation, or jumping up on visitors. Admittedly, it is one of the most difficult to carry out—not because it is hard to grasp or master, but because it goes against something that we tend to look forward to and enjoy every day. It's about ignoring your dog when you come home.

Ignore When Returning Home

"What?! Ignore my dog when he excitedly greets me on my return? Turn my back on his demands for a hug hello? Be aloof to my best buddy? Why on earth would I want to do that?!" I admit that it seems counterproductive (and a little rude), but the reasons why you should ignore your dog when you walk in the door are manifold and of profound importance to his or her state of mind.

For one, we should never reward excited behaviour that your dog initiates (we can of course go crazy with our dogs once in a while, but always on our terms, on our say, and only until we decide that it's time to stop). When your dog jumps up at you when you walk in the door and you accept that, you are telling your dog that you encourage him or her to lose control—and that means allowing your dog's issues to dictate his or her behaviour. To control our dog's problem behaviour, we must be in control of ourselves and every situation at all times.

Maintain the Status Quo

Another reason is that it is allowing your dog to disrespect you and not only giving the go-ahead to challenge your role in his or her pack, but also submitting to his or her bid for leadership. A pack leader would never tolerate another dog jumping on his or her back (in play, yes, but never at a time when it is important to demonstrate leadership).

Furthermore, by making such a huge fuss on our return, we are encouraging our dog to see our homecoming as one of the biggest events in his or her day, and that's not good, as it just leads to greater anxiety or out-of-control behaviour in anticipation of that moment. The same goes for when you leave the house: you should always make these daily events as low-key as possible—for your dog's benefit.

Control

Another reason is that we do not want to encourage our dogs to greet people (or other animals) in this way, as it is dangerous to all concerned, unappreciated by most recipients, and can lead to situations where your dog could be labeled as aggressive or out-of-control—and we all know where that can lead, especially if your dog jumps up at a child or somebody whose reaction will only make your dog more excited and, yes, aggressive.

Be Aloof!

Whenever a dog's pack leaders leave the den, it is usually to perform a potentially dangerous task, such as exploring new territory, defending boundaries, fighting, or taking food. It is likely that dogs—including the pack leaders—could be badly injured or even killed on such a foray. When the scouting party returns to the rest of the pack, they will be greeted enthusiastically, with lots of whole-body wagging and face-licking, which are joyous but respectful behaviours. Pack leaders will allow other dogs to greet them in this fashion, but they do something very powerful to reassure all the dogs of their continued ability to lead, to maintain the pack's status quo: they remain aloof.

Yes, aloof! You can do it! Just pretend you're royalty (though, as far as your dog's concerned, you really will be). When your dog gets too excited—and especially if he or she jumps up—simply turn away (don't get annoyed; you're regal, remember!) and ignore. You may have to do this several times. You may have to very briefly push your dog down (do not linger!) and then turn and ignore, but ignore you shall . . . but (and here's the good news you've been waiting for) only until your canine buddy has calmed down and no longer demanding attention; once that has happened, you can crouch down (so he or she doesn't have to jump up) and enjoy a much calmer, much more relaxed, much more respectful, and much more loving greeting.

Should your dog get excited or try to jump up or paw you when you're enjoying this calmer greeting, simply stand up in an aloof fashion and ignore your dog again until he or she calms down—which will happen within seconds—and then reward that with calm, quiet attention again.

Dogs Want to Know You're Still the Leader

And here's the thing to remember: Your dog will not perceive you as being mean and his or her feelings won't be hurt; instead, your dog will enjoy seeing that the pack structure is intact, his or her calm, assertive, benevolent leader is still in charge, and he or she won't have to step into the stressful role of leader for the pack's sake. The more you greet your dog this way, the happier, calmer, and better behaved he or she will become.

You should also advise all house guests (or anybody who greets your dog) to do the same: tell them your dog is in training and please do not look, talk, touch, or respond in any way to your dog until he or she is calm, and then ask them to give your dog a very calm, very nice, very relaxed bit of attention. Always, though, let your dog smell anybody he meets; it's how dogs meet each other, but we humans go and break protocol—rudely and aggressively—when we try to greet them the way we greet each other, with sight, sound, and touch.

Make Yourself Busy

I have a number of dogs to return home to several times a day, and although a couple may bark as they hear me outside, when I walk in the door, I am greeted respectfully and therefore more affectionately by them all. I make a point of busying myself for several minutes while ignoring them all, before greeting each affectionately once I'm sure I won't be causing excitement. Do the same—maybe go empty your washing machine, or quickly sweep the floor before greeting your dog on your return—and he or she will be so much happier knowing that you've returned from your foray unharmed.

As always, change first needs to come from you if you want to see change in your dog. Enjoy seeing how your dog reacts when you no longer reward anxiety or excited behaviour, and use it to improve the relationship you have with your dog. Ignore (or briefly correct) what you would rather not see again, and give long, enjoyable attention to the behaviour you want to encourage. Behave like a leader at all times (though it's fine to instigate and end fun or even crazy activities whenever you think it suitable), and understand that we all have perfect dogs—we just need to allow them to be so.

I act this way whenever I walk into the home of a dog I need to help rehabilitate (or when encountering strays)—and usually we get a better-behaved dog immediately, much to the exasperation of the person, who can't believe their dog is refusing to show his or her bad side now the dog-rehab guy is here! Just by ignoring dogs and therefore allowing them to smell me unmolested while I remain aloof, I am able to define our roles as leader and follower, and everything else from then on is easy because of the greater compliance and calmness I get from the dog from the outset, which always amazes the people of the house. Once the people mimic this way of greeting their dog, however, they get the same incredible results themselves—and you can do the same.

Summary

• All the lessons pertain to your situation, so follow them all if you have a problem dog, no matter what his or her issue is
  
• When you return home, ignore your dog until he or she is calmer and no longer demanding attention
• Being aloof maintains the status quo and your control over your and, consequently, your dog's behaviour
• Your dog will love you even more, and in a more secure way
• Have others greet your dog the same way
  

If you have any questions or concerns about any of these lessons, please just leave your comments below and I will respond as soon as I can, and perhaps amend the article accordingly, to address the points you raise. I won't ignore you, I promise.

Be aloof next time you greet your dog, and let me know how it goes.

Cheers!


Seán