LEADERSHIP - How Would Our Dogs Define A "Good Leader"

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Before I got Guinness I read LOTS of books...many of them on training.  Of course, most of them had their own "spin" on the RIGHT way to train, but they all talked about how important leadership was and that it really was the basis for training.  I've been thinking so much about this.  I just don't "buy into" the traditional leadership behavior "checklists" that state things like....you must always go out the door first, you must always eat before the dog, the dog should never be allowed on furniture and especially the bed.  To me it's so much more than these things.  I think it would be really interesting if we could as a group put together our own "leadership checklist" from the perspective of our dogs.  I'll take the comments and compile them into one list when we've received everyone's input.  Here's one I'll start with....

-A good leader shows me WHAT TO DO, and waits until I understand before expecting that I'll always DO IT.  It may take me a while to understand, because we don't speak the same language, but if you show me enough times in enough ways, I'll "get it".  Then you SHOULD hold me accountable because that makes me feel that you have confidence in me.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

A good leader is someone I can depend upon all the time. From food in my bowl, to what I'm allowed to do in my home, to when I get to go for a walk, I always know what to expect. I don't get laughed at for jumping up one day and yelled at for it the next. And I know I can count on you to provide what I need when I need it. This helps me relax and trust you.

[cheryl & oliver]

Jane, you are so right, at least I think so. Maybe if I really kept up with the training everyday, like I am supposed to do, Oliver would be the best boy in the neighborhood. I know it takes time and a deep commmitment to do this, and I admire all of you that can do it. I am very lucky with Oliver, he was easy to train in many ways, and I am not the best trainor for sure, lol...He has his problems, like many of our furry kids. Oh how I wish he wouldn't see a leaf or something and charge after it with me on the other end of the leash, or run to the door when the doorbell rings to "greet" guests. Everyone just loves this dog, so it makes it doubly hard to stop this. But once I get finished with this knee problem, I am making a New Years resolution, that as soon as I can walk properly again, he is getting trained. Funny how he doesn't do the pull and charge thing with my husband, but I read everything you guys are doing and writing down all the little tricks that you have found successful, and I am going to do this...Around here all dogs have to be leashed, and when we go to romps he loves being off leash, but he does listen to come when called....In the house when I call him he comes, lol...Anyway I am sorry I am rambling, but you guys have inspired me to do this....Thanks you all, and Jane thanks for everything thing you have written, and helped with this group....

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Cheryl. You need to concentrate on getting that knee better first. It sounds like Oliver is already a good boy...the rest of the training will come when you're back to normal!

[BG and Gavin]

A good leader takes me for walks; long walks, every day, in order to keep me exercised and happy, no matter how hot, cold, rainy, snowy or windy it is outside.

A good leader keeps me safe. Whether it is a fenced yard, a seat belt when travelling, adequate supervision or obedience so that I will listen in an emergency situation.

[Pat and Traveler]

Excellent subject! Aside from a family dog we had about 30 years ago, Traveler is my first and only dog. Before I got him, I read everything I could get my hands on about training, 'good leadership,' etc. It was intimidating, to put it mildly. There were so many 'always' and 'never' type things, some contradicted others. I know I was incredibly lucky with Trav. He's smart and for the most part, very easy to train, even for a complete novice. House training--easy. He never pooped in the house after day one, and the occasional pee accidents were over with within a couple of weeks. A caveat--I'm retired and with this dog practically 24/7, and can only imagine how difficult it must be for folks who are out of the house 8-12 hours a day. Another point: I got this pup from a breeder who is wonderful about seeing that puppies are socialized, meet other dogs and and animals, such as cats, and sees that the pups interact with people of all ages and types. Part of my work was done before Traveler joined me at home.

I started out with all the 'strong, confident leader' things, going out of the door first, eating first, etc. He was too little to jump up on the bed--at first. But I've eased off on a lot of that. I'd like to have a perfect 'stay,' but we're not there yet. Coming when called is a scary one, but I do take him off leash at the beach, on hikes etc., because I've worked long and hard on this one. He still gets treats for a good recall, and he's pretty reliable about coming when called. I know the limits here--if he's running with a pack in the park, it's pretty unlikely that he'll come right away when called.

All this babble really is going somewhere somewhat on subject! A good leader is vigilant and diligent about enforcing commands that keep the dog and others safe. (Stay and come--and out, which I use to send him out of the kitchen if I'm working with heat or knives. Oh--and drop it, still working on that one.) Not jumping up on guests is also a work in progress. Think I'll quit now, as I'm even boring myself. :)