Doggy Dan Pack Leader training

[Mammadood]

Hello everyone! My new goldendoodle Freddie turns 12 weeks old this week.  We've joined the Doggy Dan Online Dog Trainer website and have been watching and trying to implement the 5 Golden Rules of being the pack leader.  Has anyone worked with this program and would like to share their thoughts on how it worked for you?  My biggest concern is the ignoring parts.  He urges us to ignore our puppy when we come in from another room or come home until the dog is calm and also to do everything on our terms, including not cuddling or playing with Freddie when she initiates it- we must be the initiaters.  I find this hard to implement and not very fun with a puppy- especially since she's not really cuddly at all at this age and mostly just wants to bite us when we cuddle her.  Help!  Can anyone help me through how to be 'pack leader' at this age?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have not followed the Doggy Dan program, but what you are describing about ignoring the dog when you come home and you being the one who initiates play are what i have always done, and I swear by it. Play, attention and affection are all very valuable resources and if you "hand them out" randomly, they lose value as training tools/rewards. I know it's hard, but it pays off down the road, for the life of your dog.

[Mammadood]

Thanks for your answer!  Have you had a hard time implementing that type of ignoring practice with others in your house?  I find my partner is not very willing to ignore the puppy and has an even harder time with it than I do!  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The other family members usually acknowledge that I am in charge of the dog, and usually (not always) abide by the rules. They don't really want the responsiblity that they would inherit should I abdicate the position, lol. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Actually many of us have used all or parts of the Doggy Dan Training Program.  I personally think it's excellent, and a great way to start training new puppies.  The question of "ignoring" has come up here in the past.  Here's a link to that discussion.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/trainingmindsets/forum/topics/adv...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

YES!!! That was a wonderful discussion on this exact topic! So many good examples! 

Mammadood, you MUST read through the discussion Jane linked for you above. It contains so much wisdom about this, and you will gain new insights. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Ignoring is really important when leaving and coming back in. I made a mistake with a previous puppy in this regard who went on to exhibit huge separation anxiety problems. With Riley and Boris I did the ignore thing and haven't had any problems at all. I know it's not exactly about pack leader issues in this regard but making a fuss when going out and arriving back creates and enforces anxiety IMO 

[Lisa Raskind]

I have been trying Doggy Dan with Hana as well. She was really having separation anxiety when I left her with my husband, but just ignoring her when I came in has changed things overnight. Definitely give it a try. I was wondering what people thought about his idea of a time out or separation, especially if you use the pup's crate. Does it seem like a punishment? I have to admit that she comes out so calm and seemingly ok when I have tried it. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

We used Doggy Dan's 5 golden rules when raising Winnie, and in general with all 3 of our dogs now. Very helpful! I think the most important "rule" is the "ignoring" one. It helps the dog learn that it is really no big deal for you to come and go. Contrary to what it appears, it makes me feel good when they don't even get off of the couch when we leave in the morning. It tells me that they are content and confident. And, we don't have to worry about them trying to rush out the door when we open it or getting worked up and anxious while we are gone. That's not say that we can't gush on them when we get home at the end of the day, but they all know that jumping around and acting crazy isn't going to get them any attention. They get a simple "hello" and then lots more attention when they are sitting and quiet. I will say that my husband has more difficulty doing this, and it shows. Winnie in particular has always been more excitable and jumpy around him. Even today, 4 years later, I'm still telling him, "ignore...ignore...ignore!"  :-)

[Terri Sassone]

I'm familiar with his program and it's actually pretty good.  Ignoring is extremely important.  I know you don't think it is "fun" for a puppy but remember that puppy is going to be big soon. You do not want to let him continue to do ANY behaviors you wouldn't want a 50-80 lb dog doing.  I once trained a dog to participate in flyball by praise and attention alone.  As Karen and Jackdoodle mentioned, praise, play, and attention can be a huge commodity that will get your pup to do anything you want.

[BG and Gavin]

It’s hard, but so important ...especially when coming and going. Absolutely no fan fare. Put away your groceries, put down your purse, poor a tea all before letting him out of his crate or greeting him.  Also never say goodbye. Just leave. People come, people go, no big deal. Trying to untrain a dog who is insecure or anxious when separating is a huge job. You miss out on that wiggly bum greeting you at the door in later years, but a small price to pay.

[Mammadood]

Thanks for your responses everyone!  After about a week of working consistently with some of the pack leader material, we are definitely noticing improvement with Freddie.  She seems calmer and easier to manage.  She's still a puppy and the mouthing and biting is an issue, but slowly making progress!  Now if we can only get her to sleep through the night!!!