THE FURRY CHILD REPLACEMENT RELATIONSHIP IS AS COMMON AND DAMAGING AS THE ALPHA WOLF ONE.

SPOILING THE FURRY CHILD IS OKAY! CATERING IS NOT!

The new buzz words in the dog world are parenting and guardianship. Many dog owners refer to themselves as "mom" and "dad" - the pooch is their furry kid. I AM ALL FOR IT! Semantics matters - words determine mindset. Mainstreaming the new terminology tries to convince the public at large that dogs are sentient beings and need more than food, water and shelter. And that is good - for the owners, but mostly for the dogs.

When I talk about child replacement I mean a relationship where the dog is catered to, has no rules, nobody teaches him anything and he is allowed to set his own boundaries. Let me explain the difference.

Successful parenting means that although "mom" or "dad" buy the best food, let the pooch sleep on the bed at night, hang up a Christmas stocking, travel with the dog, beauty her up at the dog spa and shop for her birthday at a pet boutique or one of those wonderful on-line gift stores like The Pawhaus, they are still very much aware of the fact that the dog is a dog and has different needs than a human. The sensible dog parent understands that they have to lead, set boundaries, teach and get involved in activities that stimulates the pup mentally as well as physically. They socialize, job-create, know about dogs' intrinsic behaviors and limitations, are well read on learning similarities between human children and dogs, and work with a dog-expert if there is a problem. They DO NOT tolerate and excuse inappropriate behaviors, do not let the dog set rules, are not bossed around by the pooch. The dog is indulged, but expected and taught to behave - in a mindful and patient way.


In comparison: in a furry-child replacement relationship, the dog is treated like a bratty kid. The owners lack knowledge and commitment, do not set boundaries, do not teach, give in to the dog's demands, are over-protective and, at the same time, have unreasonable expectations of the dog. Even though they fail to train and set rules, the dog should "know better" and be "grateful". Unlike the savvy parent's pooch who might be invited on the bed or couch - the entitled dog demands and controlls space. She refuses to jump of the bed when asked, won't move over to allow you to sit there, and might growl if you try to make her do something she doesn't like. She'll guard her food and toys, won't come when called, and pulls you down the street. The dog lacks respect and is given all she wants for free.


The path to a bratty dog is usually set when the pup is a wee baby, cute and cuddly, and charming his way into the human hearts.

It usually comes to an end, when the once cute pup weighs 90 pounds and the owners feel threatened and intimidated by a growling dog and a mouthful of teeth. They often take action then, because despite all this bad behavior, they still love the dog. Generally, what they will hear from dog professionals, neighbors and family is that their baby is an alpha. And that they have to show him who's boss.

Go from child replacement to alpha wolf and read why that will make matters even worse and possibly lead to a biting, aggressive dog.

Then go to human dog relationship and read what the relationship should and could be like.

The dog, born to be lead, but forced to take charge by the owners, is equally confused and frustrated in a child replacement relationship. She is not permitted to be a dog, her needs are not understood and met, she is expected to behave without having been taught in a way she can understand (a dog doesn't get pleading, yelling, spanking, crying), punished one time and showered with affection and stuff the next moment (a choke collar jerk or e-collar zap and a food reward the next moment is a perfect example - it's like your spouse bringing you chocolates one day and slapping you in the face the next).

The dog perceives your physical corrections as unprovoked attacks, because she is used to set her own boundaries. She doesn't trust you and the inconsistent treatment stresses her out. Behavior problems escalate.

All this dog needs is mindful leadership and consistently enforced rules to turn things around. It can be done - regardless how old, heavy or entitled the dog is.


SPOILING YOUR FURRY CHILD MEANS TO SHARE LIFE'S PLEASURES WITH A CANINE COMPANION!

CATERING MEANS TO LET THE DOG SET THE RULES - WHEN YOU SHOULD BE!


CONTACT SILVIA if you have a question or feedback.

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