One sandwich short of a picnic.
The elevator doesn’t go to the top floor.
A canoe without a paddle.
The light’s on but nobody is home.
No grain
in the silo.
Eating with only one chopstick.
How many ways can you say “My dog is in La-La Land?”
You’re frustrated, sweaty, ready to throw something breakable. Your family tiptoes around you, hoping you will not take it out on them. It’s the dog, the damn dog.
Stop whatever you have been doing with your dog that isn’t working.
Stop chasing your dog when he grabs something.
Stop pul
ling him away from the door.
Stop pushing him off you when he jumps up.
Stop threatening to give him away.
Stop everything.
Right now, this minute, ask your family to help you by not yelling at the dog. I know, but just ask. They might surprise you and agree that all the chaos and confusion and screeching decibels are not making things any better.
Take a deep breath, stand up tall, and repeat after me:
“I am the calm, in control, leader and teacher of this dog.”
Ahhh. Such a weight lifted off your sagging shoulders.
You can almost envision a perfect world w
here your impeccably well-trained dog quietly and happily obeys your every command, responds to nearly invisible hand-signals, stands by the door patiently when he needs to go outside, trots by your side on a loose leash, and greets humans – old and young, even other dogs – with a wagging tail and a friendly smile. Sound good?
Begin with a new resolve.
Be a teacher of few words. Say “sit” once, just once. If you say a command over and over, you are teaching your dog to have selective deafness.
Use his name for good things, like calling him to come. His name is NOT a correction.
Catch him being good and praise him so he gets attention for the behavior you WANT.
His leash is not just for outside. If he has trouble settling down in the house, put him on his leash, and tell him what you want. Sit and stay is sometimes easier on leash for dogs who are natives of La-La land.
Use treats or his favorite toy to get his attention on you.
Don’t get physical with him. No pushing him out of your way with your hands or feet or knees.
Resolve to exercise him every day. You’ve heard it before: a tired dog is a happy dog.
Even if you think he knows how to sit, stay, and come, practice anyway. Its fun for both of you, and will help him remember that YOU are the one responsible for his safety and well-being.
Now….
Go!
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