Energy
The energy that you project into the world is also projected onto your dog. Many times, changing your energy will change your dog’s behavior, for better or for worse. But what is this “energy,” and how do you change it?
Energy, as I define it, is a combination of confidence and attitude. It’s confid-tude! An example of good energy is Superman. When I have clients “be Superman,” they immediately stand tall and proud, hands on their hips and head held high. If you are calm, cool, and collected, your dog will relax and trust in your leadership ability. Many of your dog’s problem behaviors also disappear. On the opposite side, if you are nervous, fearful, and unsure around your dog, bad behaviors will escalate.
Since energy is shared, a dog with good energy will influence an unsure dog. Our Border Collie, Zoe, projects good energy. When we are working her around other dogs, people bring their dogs over to be influenced by her. Their dogs “soak up her calm” and start to relax right away. Energy is one of the reasons that dogs in the same household, no matter the age or breed, can have the same behavior issues.
The change in behavior happens quickly. When I meet new clients, many times my presence alone will cause the dog to behave better. Part of our training together involves teaching everyone in the family how to project good energy. One of the strategies we use to teach good energy is Sit on the Dog (Leash).
Sit on the Dog (Leash) is one of the easiest things you can do with your dog. With your dog on leash, sit on the leash, leaving just enough leash for your dog to down comfortably. While you sit on the chair, ignoring your dog, do something you enjoy, read a book, talk on the phone, work on the computer, watch tv. You don’t have to remember any commands or hand signals, and you don’t have to tell your dog what to do. They figure out on their own that it is most comfortable to lay down. Even if your dog doesn’t know how to down on command, your dog will eventually down. This usually happens in less than 5 minutes. Once your dog downs, set the timer for at least 30 minutes. This teaches your dog that they do not have final say in where they go and what they do. Instead, they have to listen to you, and you decide how much freedom your dog has. If your dog is jumpy or tries to climb into your lap, remove your dog from your lap and tell your dog “No.” Instead of sitting on the leash, you can also stand on the dog (leash) to discourage jumping. Not only does Sit on the Dog (Leash) boost your confidence, but it boosts your dog’s calmness. Your dog will learn that when you sit down, they may as well get comfortable, because it is going to be a while.
If your dog has behavior issues, the first thing you need to do is change the energy you project out into the world and onto your dog. Start by pretending you are Superman and build your confid-tude. When introducing your dog other dogs, make sure they have good energy. Also, practice Sit on the Dog (Leash) for at least 30 minutes per day, the video below will show you how.
