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PAWS FOR A
MINUTE
"Laughter is like the human body wagging it's tail." Most people are surprised, then laugh with an affirming roll of the eye, when they realize that they are my primary students, not their dogs. You're probably thinking, "Why should I need to read about my own temperament in a dog training book?" Well, "The Seven Breeds of Dog Owners" is based on human behavior patterns that affect canine performance. It gives us a way to see how our actors shape our dog's behavior. All humans have habits and special quirks that will inevitably Impact their dogs. We just don't always see them --- unless some one is kind enough to point them out to us. For instance, some of us have lengthy conversations with our dogs, attempting to teach them commands. Others try coaxing, whining, or even begging. This can be embarrassing and can actually contribute to, or in some cases create, misbehavior in your dog. Different dog-owner personalities --- or even breeds as I call them -- can surface during different stages of your dog's development. So don't be surprised If you start out by identifying with the Coaxer and end up relating most to the Control Freak by the time your puppy Is eight months old. A common bone of contention can be discussing Sparky with your spouse. I have been in many homes where couples get a dog and one the two (and I won't mention which gender) has his or her own theory of puppy raising that would make even your dog's tail curl. Winging it can create a pile of problems. One partner may be in dog-owner denial or an absolute tyrant when it comes to puppy training. To some, an obedient dog means discipline, while other partners are anarchists at heart. This kind of philosophical opposition can give a dog whiplash. Although we may find our own inconsistencies endearing, for dogs, they are Just plain confusing. Recognizing your own traits and those of your partner and other family members helps undo some human habits that get in the way of successfully teaching your dog. This awareness will help you see your role in the process of training your pooch. My people-training approach is important to understand before getting to the mechanics of obedience. Consistency and positive reinforcement together are the trick to make your dream dog happen. The key, in any relationship, is to know thyself. Dogs follow patterns and become consistently inconsistent to our inconsistencies. Are you confused? Just think how your dog feels. The ability to recognize yourself in the process of training your dog will help you check your own behavior before you start to influence your dog negatively. Your dog will thank you, your friends will thank you, and maybe even a relative or two will thank you as well. No matter our age, Occupation, or disposition, we all fit one or more of the seven personality types. Just remember that behaviors take time to develop in people -- and this is true with dogs, too. More often than not, it's our behavior that creates automatic misbehavior in our dog.
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Inger Martens. All rights reserved |
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The
Seven Breeds of Dog Owners
