Dog Obedience Training Problems: The Hidden Causes

Last Wednesday I received an emergency message from a client, Clare, about a dogfight. Normally her two young dogs are best friends, but last week there was a big-time dogfight.
Clare was worries that this wasn’t going to be just a one-time thing, so she called and asked for my help. She told me that she had no clue what might have precipitated the dogfight.
Clare’s impression was that the problem simply “came out of nowhere!”
But when it comes to dog obedience training, in reality there were definite reasons why her dogs lost control, and dog behavior signs that indicated the dogs were getting edgy with each other. (For example, one of her dogs started growling when the other dog came in the room.)
Before I share the rest of the story, I’d like you to go and download this free dog obedience training audio course that I’ve put together for you. This audio course alone can solve some of the most common dog obedience issues most people are faced with, but I’m also going to throw in 16 dog training videos, 5 dog training manuals, and a lot more free stuff to help you out. Please make sure you do that right now.
Back to the story.
When Clare and I spoke, I had to remind her that her house was undergoing a significant renovation. Even when everything goes perfect, having strangers in your house ripping things apart creates chaos.
Unfortunately for Clare things were not going smoothly during the remodeling. Normally quiet and relaxed at home, instead Clare was tense and upset and had unhappy discussions with the subcontractor. And to make matters worse, this had been going on for a long time!
So What Made Clare’s Dogs Do This?
Clare said, “But my dogs like each other! They play together and sleep together.”
The plain truth is… dogs do not live in a vacuum. Dogs can definitely sense what’s going on in their environment and what you may be thinking, feeling, or experiencing. Clare’s dogs:
1. Watched Clare (who is usually calm) verbally confront a subcontractor many times,
2. Felt her unhappiness, anxiety, and anger,
3. Lived in remodeling chaos,
4. Missed dog classes, and
5. Lacked regular exercise. (Because it had been so hot for the past few weeks, Clare neglected to take them on their usual walks and simply let them run in her backyard instead.)
Any of those reasons alone probably would not have triggered a fight, but when stacked on top of each other, the increasing level of stress broke down the relationship between two formerly friendly dogs.
Is This A Permanent Rift In The Dogs’ Relationship?
No. The construction project is now over. Peace is back in the house. The dog lessons and the regular walks have resumed. It will take a little time, but things between the two dogs will go smoothly again.
Think About the Hidden Emotional Signals You’re Sending to Your Dog?
If you want to see how your emotions affect your dogs try this exercise from my book, Catch Your Dog Doing Something Right.
Ask the dog to join you in a room. Close the door. Sit on the floor. Do not talk, move, or gesture but think angry and unhappy thoughts for the first minute.
Then add words, sounds, and body language to your feelings.
But, you don’t want to direct them at your dog! During the next 30 seconds… feel the emotion pouring out.
* Does your dog come to you, try and avoid you, get anxious, or not pay attention to you?
* Do you notice that your dog’s reaction changes? Does the dog react more when you add words, feelings, and body language?
Now change and think happy and excited thoughts for one minute. Then add words, sounds, and body language to your feelings. However, do not direct them at the dog! Now for the next 30 seconds or so, use a voice that’s happy…feel those emotions.
* Does your dog come to you, try and avoid you, get anxious, or not pay attention to you?
* Can you see your dog’s reaction differ? Does the dog react more when you add words, feelings, and body language?
This is a simple way to show you just how much of an impact your voice and attitude has on your dog. When you are stressed or upset due to a bad day at work, a fight with a neighbor or son, or an accident where you trip and hit your shin against the table, your dog feels it. Dogs absorb tension.
If you ever see dominant behaviors such as – one dog placing his chin on the other dog’s shoulders, growling or snarling if the other dog comes into the room, toy or food bowl guarding, super erect ears or tail – these are behavior signs that demand immediate action. Search out the reasons behind this assertion of dominance and bring the relationships back into balance with training, food changes, regular exercise, increasing your presence as leader of the pack, and calling a professional when you just can’t figure it out.
Also, be sure to go and download the free dog obedience training audio course (and the videos and workbooks) I mentioned above. These tools have helped many thousands of dog owners understand why their dogs act the way they do, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you!

