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If you aren't a Pack Leader, What are you?

3/10/2013

2 Comments

 
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By Monica Callahan BS KPA-CTP

There are many blog posts and studies proving that you do not need to be a 'pack leader' to your dog. If you would like more information on this, I am more than happy to point you in the right direction. This post is more about what I AM instead of what I'm NOT (a pack leader!). 

There is a video going around right now of many trainers stating their name and that they are not a pack leader. I would like to join them. I am Monica Callahan. I am a KPA-CTP, business owner, and owner of two dalmatians, yet I am not a pack leader. My dogs do not run the house, they abide by the rules, yet I am not a pack leader. I am an owner, partner, and friend at different points in our relationship. 

I am an owner, and a responsible one at that. I provide food, exercise, and shelter for my dogs. This is what is expected of you as a responsible owner. I do not make my dogs eat after me, I do not withhold food for bad manners. My dogs are still well behaved.

I am a partner. It is my responsibility to show my dogs how to act and to teach them the rules of the house in a humane, safe way. I do not expect my dog to listen to me because he should automatically respect me. That respect develops and is earned just as you would earn it with a child. My dogs are my partners in the show ring. When we start gaiting the circle, or begin the agility course, we work together because we enjoy it, not because I am commanding my dog to follow me.

I am a friend. Who wants to live being afraid of your fellow housemate? I am not afraid that my husband will hit me, nor my child, why should my dog be afraid that I am going to hit them? When we go for walks, when we enjoy a night in, I am enjoying the company of a companion, a friend. We are comfortable with each other, we enjoy each other. We do not fear each other.

Monica Callahan KPA-CTP

2 Comments
Katie Liepold
3/18/2013 04:07:04 am

While I agree that most dogs don't need a dominant "pack leader" I do believe that some dog require this type of treatment. I have a very intelligent, dominant, agressive, and stubborn mix breed and if I do not make myself more dominant he takes a dominant position. It is a battle sometimes to come out "on top" It keeps him balanced when I show I am in control and not him. And anyone who wants to argue that being a pack leader is not neccessary is MORE THAN WELCOME to meet my dog, Dax.

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Monica Callahan KPA-CTP link
3/18/2013 07:43:25 am

Hello Katie! I honestly believe that no dogs need a 'dominant' leader, even aggressive dogs. I would love to meet Dax! If you are interested in learning about a partner relationship with your dog, feel free to contact me with my form on my Location & Contact page or e-mail me at monica@anythingspossibletraining.com if you are local. If not, I can definitely help you find a trainer who will be more than qualified to help you.

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    Monica Callahan BS KPA-CTP is the owner of Anything's Possible LLC in North Olmsted, OH. She graduated from The University of Findlay in 2011, double majoring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Biology. She also has a minor in Chemistry. Monica went on to attend Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior, and graduated with distinction in January 2012. That is when she decided to open Anything's Possible LLC.

    Monica has a lot of animal experience including internships at a vet clinic and a humane society, and jobs at a pet store and a boarding/day care facility.

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