Lovin'  Labradors BC 

At Lovin' Labradors I use a combination of positive reinforcement and pack leadership to train my dogs.

To me, being a leader, means being a guide, not a boss. I have looked into dog psychology and found that  dogs want to be followers and want us to guide them. Dogs always look for a leader first and only lead when no one else takes that place. To dogs, being a leader is often confusing and stressful which is why they look to us to be their guide. Often times behavioral issues arise if we don't lead our dogs. When teaching tricks I use treats and praise (positive reinforcement). I found this to be the most effective and quick method for teaching tricks.

A Bit More on Leadership

How to Know if You're Leader

Our dogs tell us many times throughout everyday whether we are leader, or them. Who wakes you up every morning? Your alarm clock with four legs and a wagging tail? ... as cute as it sounds...your dog is reminding you first thing in the morning ... he's leader. Who walks through the door/gate first? When your dog rushes out the door ahead of you he isn't just excited about the walk your taking him on....he's leader. Once you're out the door is he dragging you on the other end of the leash. No, he isn't just  eager to check his 'pee-mail'...he's leader. When guests visit with their little kids, does he jump on them, knock them over, and bark his head off?... if so...he's leader.

Why is this a Problem.

Okay admit it, no one likes to be dragged down the street by their over excited canine so,there is problem number one. It is rather embarrassing for your dog to knock little kids over and annoying to have him  bark the whole time your trying to visit? Does this sound familiar? "Ya", you laugh, "That sure sounds like Hershey, but we love him them so we get over these irritations". But deep down don't we all long to know if there is a simple solution? Even more than this, since our dogs can't be with us absolutely everywhere, our dogs can't lead us always. Not being able to "lead" their human full time causes our dogs to be confused and anxious which causes the  "issues" our dog have, to arise. Become the leader and your dog will be much happier and fulfilled. 

How to Become the Leader.

Our dogs are just waiting for us to step up as leader so winning them as follower is easy...learning how our dogs think so we can be a good, consistent leader 100% of the time is a little harder...but so worth it. There are little things we can do every day to show our dogs who's leader. Doing a simple exercise such as putting your dog on a short leash and pushing your way ahead of him when going through a doorway  shows who's leader. When you walk them, every time they pull ,turn the other direction. It might look and sound silly, but walking the dog and not having your arm hauled off is worth it. For more tips feel free to contact me.

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