Dogs know that the pack leader has an area of space that is his/hers. Dogs are amenable to this but they do they will test these boundaries until the Pack Leader claims there space. It is an interesting concept and goes hand and hand with the idea of energy projection. Our energy state is how we communicate with our pack. If we are calm-assertive we can create our own space without saying a word. The dogs in our pack will get a sense of energy that says this is my line in the sand, don't cross it or you will be violating the rules of the pack leader. As we have mentioned before, dogs do not want to violate pack rules because instinctively they know order in the pack is necessary for their survival.
So then why is it so hard for people to claim their space?
The main reason is energy projection. If we are not in the calm-assertive mode, our dogs will not feel secure, stable or deferential to us as the leader. They will automatically sense a void or a vacuum in the leadership role. The result is predictable. Dogs value a stable pack, they need this structure to feel safe and secure. One of the dogs will usually act out in more dominent ways or become more agitated with the other dogs. However, if we are in the right state of mind, projecting the calm-assertive energy that brings the firmness of structure to the pack, claiming your space will be a mere formality. It take a little longer with a puppy but they will catch on very quickly too.
The way to claim your space is simple once your energy is calm-assertive. If your intent is to move your dog out of your space you need to stand up tall, facing the dog. At times you can use a stick or a tennis racket or anything to extend your arm length. This is not to hit the dog or hurt the dog in anyway, it is just easier to calm the dog down once he feels he is "locked in" the space right in front of you. Some dogs will resist and turn sides, some will sit and aquese, some will growl, but eventually most will lay down and relax and accept the boundary. You can gradually move closer to the dog until he gets the message that you are the pack leader and you are claiming your space.
On rare circumstances dogs may try to bite or nip at you in resistance but if you are in the right state of mind and you are doing it with your own dog, a dog that you are familiar with, you should get a postive result. It will take repetition and have to be done each time your dog enters your space uninvited but after a few time it will be all over.
Information for this article was taken from the book "The Power of Calm-Assertive Energy-How It Can Make You The Pack Leader" . The books discusses how to be a pack leader to your dogs and how to apply the power of calm assertive energy to your daily life.
So then why is it so hard for people to claim their space?
The main reason is energy projection. If we are not in the calm-assertive mode, our dogs will not feel secure, stable or deferential to us as the leader. They will automatically sense a void or a vacuum in the leadership role. The result is predictable. Dogs value a stable pack, they need this structure to feel safe and secure. One of the dogs will usually act out in more dominent ways or become more agitated with the other dogs. However, if we are in the right state of mind, projecting the calm-assertive energy that brings the firmness of structure to the pack, claiming your space will be a mere formality. It take a little longer with a puppy but they will catch on very quickly too.
The way to claim your space is simple once your energy is calm-assertive. If your intent is to move your dog out of your space you need to stand up tall, facing the dog. At times you can use a stick or a tennis racket or anything to extend your arm length. This is not to hit the dog or hurt the dog in anyway, it is just easier to calm the dog down once he feels he is "locked in" the space right in front of you. Some dogs will resist and turn sides, some will sit and aquese, some will growl, but eventually most will lay down and relax and accept the boundary. You can gradually move closer to the dog until he gets the message that you are the pack leader and you are claiming your space.
On rare circumstances dogs may try to bite or nip at you in resistance but if you are in the right state of mind and you are doing it with your own dog, a dog that you are familiar with, you should get a postive result. It will take repetition and have to be done each time your dog enters your space uninvited but after a few time it will be all over.
Information for this article was taken from the book "The Power of Calm-Assertive Energy-How It Can Make You The Pack Leader" . The books discusses how to be a pack leader to your dogs and how to apply the power of calm assertive energy to your daily life.
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