The humans are the leaders and the dogs are the followers – at least that’s how it should be! As long as we’re consistent setting up rules that are reasonable, and teach them how to use the rules to get the things they want from us, then they’re not going to change them because they’re pretty much okay with them. They are creatures of habit and routine. It’s kind of one of the little secrets that dogs don’t want us to know. They don’t care how they get what they want – if they actually get what they want; so if we teach them that the best way to get what they want is to sit and stay and look adorable, then they’re cool with that. On the other hand, if they think they can get what they want by being annoying (and it’s our word – not theirs – they just know if it works or not), and if barking gets them attention there is no reason for them to stop barking.
One of the truths of dog training is that if you’re not happy with the way your dog behaves, and you want to change that, you have to change the way you interact with your dog. Once you change your interactions they kind of pick on it and they go oh, okay; that’s the new rule huh? And they’re really fine with it either way but we naturally want them to do the things that we want them to do and not the things they cook up on their own. And that applies to any dog of any age – it’s never too late!
I have 2 wonderfull boxers, Willow is a bobtail boxer she is small and recently had a face lift as her eyes have been bad and with them waterin she ended up with a sore smelly face. The surgery has helped but hasn’t totally stopped the problem. Even though she is the smaller of the 2 she is very much the boss. Mayhem is a white boxer dog he is a beautifull dog, I’ve never had any problems with their behaviour I just adore them both. I live on my own with my son and I would like them to bark when the door gets knocked on. They are just over one year old and I have been told give them time and they will bark. I can’t see this happening as they are very laid back – they dont even raise the heads when the door is knocked on. When people come in they greet them and have a real good sniff then come back to either lying at my feet or they get on their own sofa. Do I have just 2 very chilled out dogs?