In a dog’s world, leadership matters

In a dog’s world, leadership matters


When considering the importance of good leadership, you don’t have to look much further than your dog.

Just like kids, dogs feel most secure with a structured routine and rules. They want to know that their leader — that’s you — has a plan to keep them safe. So when we let routines lapse or make exceptions to rules, they just get confused. Saying “No!” to your dog but doing nothing positive to help change his behavior fits into this category, too.

Our dogs give off cues about people and pooches they don’t like. So, why do some of us force them to interact? It might be different if you’re taking baby steps to help your dog conquer her shyness. But if you make your dog interact when she clearly doesn’t want to, you’re damaging your cred as a leader.

Just remember: Consistent leadership helps make for a calm, happy pooch.

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