Advocating for Your Dog is an Essential Role in Training

Having a well-behaved dog starts with your leadership. We talk a lot about leading your dog to make better choices, consistent boundaries, and assigning your dog a job. A key component to being a successful leader is advocacy. No matter who you’re leading, a team at work or your family dog, stepping up to advocate for all who follow your lead is imperative to building trust. Your family dog must trust your leadership.

What Does Advocating for Your Dog Look Like?

• Removing your dog when another dog is being pushy and in your dog’s face: licking, jumping, or trying to play when your dog isn’t interested
• Removing a young puppy from bothering your dog, especially if you also own the puppy  
• Giving your cat their own space and stepping in when the cat gets in the dog’s space. (This also works in reverse to advocate for your cat) 
• Take steps to avoid strange dogs running up to you and your dog: cross the road, pick up your small/young dog, or protect your dog from being rushed.
• Letting strangers know they cannot pet your dog. No reason is needed. 
• Having your dog lie down under your chair or a table, away from foot traffic and any child, dog, or cat coming to disturb her. 
• Putting your dog in his crate if it’s going to be an over-stimulating situation, too much for you to manage, or for any reason to moderate his behavior.

By advocating for your dog, you’re reinforcing the principle that you have their back. You are their leader; what you say goes. This in turn creates mutual trust and a more secure dog. A secure dog no longer feels they have to protect or guard their owner, get overexcited, or be reactive. Your calm, assertive leadership conveys ‘I’ve got this and you.’You can become your dog’s advocate and call the shots to keep everyone happy and safe.