I have been professionally training dogs for 18 years ... whew! That's a long time. But the days have flown by and I have enjoyed most every minute of it. Dogs have given me a wondeful way of life.

Over the years I have been to many seminars and training schools. I have a massive library on dog training, animal behavior and psychology that would rival most any animal behaviorist. There have been many ideas expressed and I have learned from many of them. But it all boils down to one major point ...

Dogs are pack animals.

Bring them home and you become a member of their pack. Every pack has a chain of command. If you lack consistent leadership capabilities, it is only natural for your dog to lead. It's all about survival ... survival of the pack.

Everything I do in training revolves around that natural premise for the dog order. And before someone misunderstands, it is not about dominating, intimidating. breaking a dog's spirit or physically harming a dog.

It's about leading.

How do you lead? Even without structured obedience training, it can be done in seemingly subtle ways ... But, it makes a big difference for your dog.

You can start by you entering all doors before your dog. You see your dog believes he is entitled to enter first ... NOT!

Don't feed your dog until are ready. Have your dog's attention by making him sit or wait. Be patient as you are in control.

You never allow your dog on the furniture without your permission ... FIRST.

Don't pet your dog when she wants you to ... unless you want to be the one obeying. Turn the tables. Make her perform a simple command and then pet and praise the.

Never let your dog see you clean up after her (poop, etc.). After all, you don't want her to think you are her servant, do you?

Ignore attention getting maneuvers from your dog such as barking, jumping etc. Give her attention at these times and you are insuring these actions will be repeated.

All are simple steps, but they start communicating to your dog that you are the leader.

I will be providing more examples in my blog ... http://www.jimhodgesdogtraining.blogspot.com/

I hope to see you there!

Jim Hodges

I am a master dog trainer that has trained dogs in many fields from behavior to obedience to special services such as scent detection and assistance. I am also President of Contain-A-Pet America which specializes in humane electronic fencing. We are not another Invisible Fence type company, but a pet company. We believe electronics have a place in containment. It's not about shocking a dog; it's about using electronics and behavior to keep a pet safe, healthy and happy in their environment.