FAQ about Dog Listening & Canine Communication
How is this method different from traditional obedience training?
The beauty of this method is you aren't training your dog - it already knows this! It is you - the owner - who is learning the new language. This method is all about communication and giving your dog the signals it instinctively looks for which are based on pack behaviour and hierarchy. Your dog is responding and working with you because it wants to - not because you are giving it commands or because it is forced to. When you speak to your dog in it's own canine language you establish your leadership through 'leading by example'. In doing so, you help your dog to make the decision to elect you as it's leader of it's own free will. This process is a way of life that you incorporate into your home which is the natural and best way to interact with your dog.
What is so wrong with my dog being in charge? I like it looking after me.
When your dog thinks it's in charge it takes on all the responsibility of looking after you and making all the decisions for you. Not just some decisions - all of them. The problem is it is trying to do that in a human world it doesn't understand. It's a canine - not a human. This is unfair and stressful to your dog and this is how problems such as excessive barking, anxiety or destructive behaviour start. They are trying to cope but just don't know how. Your dog should be your companion and live alongside you as part of your pack, but you need to be the decision maker so your dog can have a happy, stress-free life.
I like to take my dog to activities such as agility and fly-ball. Can I still do this with my dog?
Absolutely. You will be learning the foundation of how you should behave, communicate and develop a strong relationship with your dog. What you choose to do with your dog once you've established your leadership is completely up to you. If you are a calm and convincing leader, the sky is the limit!
If I'm the leader of the pack, can I still love and play with my dog as much?
Absolutely! There is no limit at all to the amount of play and love you give your dog. The more the better! The difference will be that it will be on your terms, not when your dog demands it. You will find that these times will be so much more rewarding because your dog does not have to worry about making the decisions. It can relax, play, and enjoy being with you! Your relationship with your dog will be so much better, and your dog will respect you as a leader it wants to be with.
How long will it take until my dog elects me as leader of the pack?
The amount of time varies depending on the dog and on the owner. When you apply the four key areas correctly you will start to notice a positive improvement very quickly. Dogs are intelligent and if they feel the need will ask the question 'who is in charge?' This is why this is a way of life for the owner. The good news is that it is a simple set of rules and can be adopted in any household. If you put in the time and effort, it becomes second nature.
My dog is getting old. Is it too late to start something new?
It's never too late to begin with your dog. In fact, think of the happy, stress-free golden years your dog will have because you are now communicating with it in it's own language. It can relax and leave all the decision making to you.
When should I start this with my new puppy?
What if I forget what to do or if things change at home?
Life will always change - you may move, a new baby may arrive, new pets come into the home or you may change your household routine. So many things can happen within your household which may cause your dog to ask the question 'who is in charge?'. Or there may be a situation where you are simply not sure what to do. With your consultation comes free back up support via telephone or email for the life of your dog while it lives with you.
You will have my support for as long as you need it.
