Fancy that!
Australian Champion Bluegrace Bottoms Up (known as Fancy)
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Jane Anderson's10 Simple Rules to Better Dog Behaviour
Firstly, the bad newsGenerally, humans have no idea how to look after dogs. Generally most dogs have very bad manners, and for a large number of reasons, humans let them get away with it. Generally, humans have no idea how get good behaviour from dogs and resort to inappropriate training mechanisms and violence.
But here's the good newsActually, getting the right behaviour from dogs is very, very easy. Firstly, forget the cute idea they are humans with furry coats. Dogs have their own specific needs, and are incapable of understanding human society. In order to communicate effectively with your dog/s you need to really understand the way they function, and how to get the best out of them. If you remove the confusion, and implement good pack management techniques, your dog will be happy, and an absolute joy to live with.I've got my 10 simple rules listed below. All of my puppy people are now given this rule sheet and coached through the rules. Regardless of your breed of dog, or where you got it from, following these simple rules below will help you sort out your dog. These rules provide clear indication to the dog/s that you are the pack manager, and this is the way your pack operates. When your dog understands that they do not rule your house and its people, they will settle, become less anxious, and lose a lot more undesirable behaviours resulting in significantly less barking, much less jumping up, and other neurotic behaviour. Before you start any groovy training mechanism such as clicker training (which I completely recommend), you need to get the basics right first. If you neglect to implement these basics, when you come back to me later with your problem puppy/dog, we will firstly work at getting these rules right first. Neglecting these rules will result in problem behaviour for your dog, and big issues for you. I can guarantee this. For those of you new to the dog world, or if it's been some time since you've had a dog, can I give the following straightforward advice: Jane's 10 simple rules
Now tick these off and let me know which ones you CAN'T or are NOT prepared to do, and we'll problem solve those together. If anyone wants an example of badly behaved dogs, when you next visit me, I'll take you to my friend's place to show you what not to do. Look, I don't have it 100% right all the time either. But we're getting there, and together we can learn. Let's work together to get well behaved dogs. Importantly, you are the pack manager. Do not shirk this responsibility. If you don't take on this responsibility, your dog will, and then you will have the consequences of effectively what can only be referred to as "neglect". It is never too late to implement these techniques. Remember, you dog is part of a general society. Badly behaved dogs reflect badly on you, the dogs, and the breed in general. Too many breeds have bad reputations only because of their incompetent handling. This also means if you are a breeder, of any breed, you have an inherent responsibility to ensure your puppy people know how to get appropriate dog behaviour.
How Do I Find the Time?Ok, so you've read the information above, and you're not quite convinced. I know you won't be. I wasn't either. I have done a lot of reading, and tried a whole lot of different approaches. I have a large pack of dogs, and at times, with puppies, can have a large number of dogs in my pack.You're probably going to say, "well I don't have the time to do this". Ok, I work full time, am a single mother, manage a whole household with dogs, cats, ferrets, chickens, and ducks. I also show my dogs. I'm also currently studying for my phd. When I have a few spare minutes, I help people learn how to feed their dogs an appropriate diet, and mentor my puppy people. So if I have time to do it, why can't you? Tip: Give up watching tv and the playstation, and you'll have a lot more time.
Success StoriesThese are two emails I have received in the last week from people who have started to implement what I've said. I've changed the names of the people only:
Steve forwarded me your 10 points which I have read with interest.
Following when I collected Tinker and you very clearly demonstrated the
first principle to me I have been applying it and I notice, as you said,
that Tinker calms down farely quickly.
She is settled on the couch now and asleep; not hanging around my chair,
nudging my elbow all the time!
I make a point of ignoring her until she settles down, even when she
jumps on me in her excitement at my arrival home. I ignore every attempt
she makes to lick my hand which she is now doing less. Although she is
sleeping in my room and at least for the time being this will need to
continue, I do not let her on my bed anymore and I now shut her out of
the front part of the house when I leave for work. It is hard to avoid
eye contact at times but I am doing this as best I can. But I am really
not sure what the next step is, how to behave with her in a loving and
caring way without undoing the good work. I do not want to be "owned" by
my dog but I do want to have her as a real companion animal.
Hi Jane,
I have to stop sending you e-mails, but I have to tell you how amazing these
books are that you recommended. I wish I had had them so many months ago.
I had another great day with Spot today. I had my breakfast today &
finally put the radio on so I couldn't hear Spot's complaining. Later in
the day when I came home from tennis, Spot kept on barking while I was
talking to my husband. I put her on a leash over the doorknob & she finally
settled now & we were able to talk. After I released her, she came over &
gave me great kisses. Spot on leash, we can a glass of wine before dinner
& I read a section to my husband. Spot is always
pushing her toys on us, even though we have played with her. While making
dinner, Spot starting pushing her toys at me & rather saying, "enough", I
ignored her & she finally played alone. I have had a great evening with
Spot, lying beside me while I continue to read from Jan Fennell's books.
Wow!!!!!! I am sorry that we are going away next week, because I really want
to work more with Spot. Before I talked to you & starting reading these
books, I was very depressed & disappointed about Spot & I knew although I
couldn't give her up, I had be thinking about it. Guilt I couldn't do it,
but Spot was wrecking our lives. I now feel so positive. Tonight I called
Spot , she ran up from our rec. room, sat & stayed - we have worked hard
on this, but quite often it was hit & miss. Things are so much different now. Thanks again & have a great night,
Books to ReadWithout a doubt, the absolute fundamental book you need to read is anything written by Jan Fennell. Her work is fundamental is my learning and approach. Do a search of her at Amazon, or click on the easy links below:
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