want to understand and become a better pack leader

[Wild Wolf]

Thank you very much for sharing these informative links!

[packmentality]

While I agree that the terms Dominance or submissiveness are often misused, his generalizations are just as misleading.
Example; dogs jumping ARE often Human induced, but the main reason is canine behavior. The dog communicates to others by targeting many body parts, primarily the mouth. Videos like this are taking the generalizations of misguided "behaviorist" and taking a extreme opposite view of training.
It's a shame that positive reinforcement training as this gentlemen is a proponent of, takes the adversary position, without being open to behaviorist such as I, that utilizes behavior in a positive way.
I agree that over corrections, misreading behavior, then scruffing a dog can be counter productive.., I also believe that merely because YOU think that dogs don't understand a packmentality doesn't make it true.
Dogs are hard wired in their communication, and many studies these camps rely on in their smear campaign are often not complete, or all together false.
It's important to research the trainer and their methods, but to also research behavior in canines. Using a treat based training ONLY "positive reinforcement", will often result in inappropriate behavior, because the treats are what the dog is focusing on, not the handler.
I wish both sides of these camps of training would get over themselves, and realize that the generalization of ones methods is not only incorrect, but detrimental to the bonding of your pet.
Kind Regards,
Mike Ward
Pack Mentality training

[packmentality]

Originally Posted by packmentality

While I agree that the terms Dominance or submissiveness are often misused, his generalizations are just as misleading.
Example; dogs jumping ARE often Human induced, but the main reason is canine behavior. The dog communicates to others by targeting many body parts, primarily the mouth. Videos like this are taking the generalizations of misguided "behaviorist" and taking a extreme opposite view of training.
It's a shame that positive reinforcement training as this gentlemen is a proponent of, takes the adversary position, without being open to behaviorist such as I, that utilizes behavior in a positive way.
I agree that over corrections, misreading behavior, then scruffing a dog can be counter productive.., I also believe that merely because YOU think that dogs don't understand a packmentality doesn't make it true.
Dogs are hard wired in their communication, and many studies these camps rely on in their smear campaign are often not complete, or all together false.
It's important to research the trainer and their methods, but to also research behavior in canines. Using a treat based training ONLY "positive reinforcement", will often result in inappropriate behavior, because the treats are what the dog is focusing on, not the handler.
I wish both sides of these camps of training would get over themselves, and realize that the generalization of ones methods is not only incorrect, but detrimental to the bonding of your pet.
Kind Regards,
Mike Ward
Pack Mentality training

to add to this.., I don't hit, yell, or over correct.
The common comment I get from clients is.., "I wish my dog would greet me the way they greet you! "
I believe that speaks volumes.

[KentuckyGSDLover]

It's been 14 years since I had a new dog in the house and the first time I've had one that is almost grown (17 months) that needs direction. After her nipping/snapping at my elderly dog, I'm glad to read this thread and day two - serious groundwork. I've corrected the snapping immediately yesterday and put her in the crate. I've decided now to leave her there a few days and take her out only for walks and feeding. One mistake I already see I made was allowing her to happily bolt down the steps of my porch ahead of me. That stops next walk. Thanks for some great, helpful posts!

[k9pack]

because the treats are what the dog is focusing on, not the handler. Very true statement. Dominance is a word which is thrown around and used by many to fuel an agenda rather than stepping back and connecting it with how it connects with the many behavior issues. As a dog gains "influence" via taking the lead role the frequency and intensity of behavior issues increase. As "meaningful influence" takes hold via role change they diminish. Many who align with behavioral science are merely exploiting and misrepresenting both dominance and conditioning.

[Eagle]

I have a mixed breed german shepherd dog, I got him from a shelter when he was 1.5months old,now he is 9months old. He has a big temperament and i can describe him as a 'dominant' dog. I also watched a few of Ceasar Millan's shows online so i decided to get one of his books about establishing leadership. I've read half of the book and all is writing about is some stories and how great and successful is Ceasar Millan with dogs. He does not get to the end point-every day examples/situations and how to correct them..a bit waste of money.

That's the first male 'dominant' dog i have and I don't have any experience at all with training..However reading this forum and also trying to understand the dog i 've noticed a few things.
1. I used a choking collar for walking etc. the dog will obey and walk near me only because he has no choice and also because of the pain caused.Also everytime i used to put the collar on the dog he was very nervous and doing all he could to avoid it. On the other hand,being patient and correcting the dog with treats when he was not pulling on the leash helped the situation much better. My dog will not walk just next to me yet,there are times he will be infront-in the side,,but he will not pull.

2. I noticed that positive-reward reinforcement do work. It doesn't have to be treats all the time..it can be just a different tone of voice-exciting and a touch in the hip/belly. It might not work from the first time,with patience however and over time it will work,on the other hand pinning the dog down-hitting him-yelling at him will make him more nevrous and more prone to attack.

3. One punishment when he is not behaving that i found out that it really works is to have him in his crate for 20-30minutes,when he is doing something wrong i just say No and put him in his crate. When he is calm and quiet he goes out again.

This is my approach, as I mention am not an expert but so far my dog learn the sit,stay,down,come,give hand commands and he is obeying this commands with out the use of any choking-prone collars etc. Also the bond between me and my dog is much stronger than if i was using any violence or choking etc. collars

[codmaster]

As long as it works keep doing what you are doing! Esp. if it is better thasn what Ceasar could do.

[codmaster]

Out of curiosity, what does he do that makes you describe him as a "dominant" dog?