[iamtwilight]

here it is: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/humandog.htm

i'm kind of having mixed feelings about this?

i have sometimes been "weak" with my dogs, but never have had problems with them. i don't know what to think of that article.

to me, my dogs were always equal, my friends, my confidantes, the ones who understood me and sat with me through the rough times.

when i read that article, it just left me feeling like the person who wrote it is probably the type who has dogs only to show them off, take them to dog shows and boast about their rewards. i don't know.

sorry if i offended anyone who takes their dogs to shows - i know all of you aren't like that.


twilight

While I do agree with the writer that instinct does play a huge role in dog behavior and stuff, I don't think it's something to rule out as love being a distinctly human trait. These qualities are shown in a number of animals, not just humans. Even wolves are affectionate with one another at times- even with their rigid hierarchy. As long as you set clear rules with discipline attached if they are broken...even little things like a firm no when a rule is broken or when it is or is not okay to go to the bathroom or eat it will fulfill their need for pack structure. Just by telling them that no you are not going to poop on the carpet and no you cannot eat the garbage...you are being the pack leader. Behavior problems arise when they start thinking that maybe they can tell you what to do instead of the other way around. If you have no problems then your dogs are quite happy with your leadership and know you are the boss despite a few slips here or there

Try not to worry about it too much, as long as you are happy with your dogs and they are happy with you- even if apparently their nudging means that they are being disrespectful or something else like that...why change?

[Rhapsody]

I agree that the worse thing we can do is to treat our dogs like humans, as they are animals and they have animal instincts that needs an alpha to keep the pack in order.... ex: the household family is your dogs pack.

Now this does not mean that we cannot love and pamper our little furry friends at times... but we must keep in mind that they need a leader to be at their best - mans best friend.

Check out the Dog Whisperer's website and tv show some times.

[bearchic34]

I don't like the tone of the article thats for sure. If we love our dogs too much or spoil them we aren't good pet owners? While I understand what the author is saying I get angry reading that type because I have 3 dogs and they are not perfect but they are very good and mostly well behaved. I have always treated my dogs in the same way as my children, and what I mean by that is learning the 'rules' early in their life makes them know their place in the family.
I am NOT consistant with them and they stil respect me and know they have to listen...
So I agree as long as YOU are happy and they are happy then don't worry about it. That is the most important thing!!

Oh and I love watching the Dog Whisperer....He's awsome!!

[turquoisesea]

I disagree with the article. Its ok to treat an animal like family, like a human. You can still be the "pack leader" this way, I feel. You can still claim authority - like a mother, father, older sister/brother... and thus keep w/ pack instinct. (i think :P)

[whickett]

well, i have been taking care of dogs in large numbers in my home... not outside in pens.. for many years.. with the humane society.

i have 9 dogs of my own... all rescues...

i can tell you there is a pack order.. with me being the alpha female...
but i rarely have to put much backbone into that position unless i get a new arrival.. the dogs all know how it goes...

only the dog.. alpha male and female sleep with us... (me and husband) but its not like i told any of them not to... this is the packs decision...
who sits where on the couch and gets to eat first they all do without bickering...

now... do i spoil them? of course!!

not all the time tho...

treats are handed out to all
not just selected dogs
all eat the same diets from the same bowls...
all have a dog door to go and come outside as they wish..
this aleveates alot of peer arguing.

they rarely fight... tho i only have one male...
(thats perminate)

and yes the dog whisperer is great
you might want to read the secret life of dogs...
i forget the author...

[iamtwilight]

glad to hear there are more of us :P

-- twilight

[michele#3]

Yes, I agree with what the author said. Although I haven't seen his show "Dog Whisperer" (I can't get the channel) I've read one of his books and makes sense for me.
Having worked with dogs for a number of years in various settings and owned 4 different dogs as an adult. I know how important pack hierarchy is for a canine. I also know that humanizing them is not the healthiest thing to do to there psyches.
I believe even if you treat them in the manner that the author of the article describes you still get alot of love and companionship your dog. I also believe that your dog will become a happier companion.