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Pack Mentality is how our dogs are wired. It is our responsibility as dog owners to recognize this and fulfill this need for them.

There are a few other ways to do this besides what was mentioned in the previous article, obedience lessons and setting boundaries in the home. These are easy things that make a big difference and acknowledge how our dogs think.

First, you go through all doors first. The dog does not forge ahead, bounding through and knocking you off your feet, (can you tell I’ve raised a couple of teenage labs?) The way to establish this is to have the dog sit, stay and you walk through and then give a command for him to pass. We use ”heel”, because our dogs know that means stay to our side, close in. Teach this on a short leash for control. Make sure you reward with food or affection when done correctly and scold with a low voice when done incorrectly. This, of course, needs to be taught over several days, and stick with it, even when it is hard.

Second is easier. It involves feeding time. This may seem different, but it will be recognized by the dog. Take your dog’s portion and put your hands through it. This leaves your scent on the food and signals to him where this came from and who provided it. Also, in the dog world, there is “no free lunch”. So ask a simple, quick command of your dog before presenting the food, such as “sit, wait, ok!” The dog sits while you put your scent on the food. Tell him to “wait” while you place it, then “ok!” to release your dog to eat. The reward of course is the food. If you really want to drive the point home, the dog eats after the humans and does not beg at the table. I confess that I feed mine as I am cooking for the family, and yes, mine beg.

Try these two exercises out and stick with them. The first will make your life easier, the first and second will fulfill pack mentality in your dog and make him happy.