We waited all week for today's Petco sensitivity trainer to work with Teddy.
The first thing she explained is that dogs are like people. There are Alpha's, (leaders who are unafraid to lead and their owners answer to them), and the Beta's (dogs that prefer to follow along, but can take the Alpha role if need be).
Sarah thinks Teddy is confused because he can get us to respond to his whining, and attention getting techniques. We were advised to teach Teddy to walk behind us, and to not let him go through doors first. If I am on the computer and Teddy sits touching a foot, I should pull it away. Teddy can use "the sense of touch." to control me. We were reminded that we make the mortgage payment, not Teddy. Teddy is a guest.
The biggest surprise to me was that Sarah said
Teddy thinks people are other dogs who can stand on two feet! Laura and I must be the Alpha dogs, Teddy will relax because he will not be confused as to his having to be an Alpha. Teddy wants to be a Beta, so we need to help him. There was no discussion of treatment for a
real Alpha dog. This Alpha/Beta thing, I have applied at the office without even knowing it. If we want a new account at the Ad Agency you offer an Alpha a pile of money to get it for you. Alphas are like pit bulls, they attack because they are greed motivated. With a Beta be prepared for a long discussion of the moral aspect of promoting that kind of client's products. Beta's don't want to see a balance sheet, they want to see the human rights record of the potential client. I am a beta that fakes alpha to compete with alphas. I believe that
in the long run, betas do a better job of running companies, and are much easier to work with.
Sarah taught us not to look into Teddy's eyes when he wants attention, he knows how to control us with his eyes. Eventually, Teddy will have to go on walks and see other dogs, we are to
keep him behind us, and
move him behind our back to our other side. Apparently, Teddy responds to us when he sees another dog and feels protective of his gang. If we pull Teddy aside, and do not show anxiety about the other dog, Teddy will ignore him because we are the Alphas in the pack, and we show no threat.
The final point was on the pronged collar that was so controversial in this thread. We should not get into a
tug-o-war with the dog. The collar will not hurt him because of the amount of fur on his neck. Pressure is to be pulled quickly, and immediately released in a sharp motion. Then make the dog sit. A dog is like a teeter-tatter. Make him look up at your hand without making eye contact. Say "sit." Eyes go up and butt goes down. We were amazed the way Sarah could bring back his original training in only minutes.
Another thing I learned, Petco used money to judge our commitment to Teddy. First, we heard $80 an hour, but were given a discount for $40 and hour, which we paid. Today, we bought six lessons for $100, with an option for another six. Teddy will get two private sessions next week before he goes to a class with other dogs. Socialization is needed for Teddy. Fortunately, Teddy already has the skills we want, he just needs to learn to take it from Laura and I as "Alpha Dogs."
Strollingbones story of Hector is so much like our Teddy. There are a lot of idiots out there that should not be allowed to have dogs. We dog owners are going to get back what we give out. Kill Kennels should be used for bad owners, not dogs.
Footnote; Even though Teddy is neutered, he made a new friend in "Kera" a black female Labradore Retriever who has been fixed. They were instant friends.
). It was "Turkey Tummy" time.
