Heart of the Pack

Free dog training

FIRST ARTICLE 5 Steps to a social dog

Dogs have always had a special place in our hearts. Scientific research suggests that humans first domesticated dogs over 15 000 years ago! You would think that with that long to practice we would be pretty good at it by now. Sadly, that’s not always the case.

What is the biggest factor that contributes towards a dog being unbalanced?

Many people seem to think a dog is responsible for its own behaviour – the reality is that the owner is responsible his or her dog’s happiness. If you are here seeking help on how to make your loyal companion behave better then congratulations! You have recognised that your fury friend needs help and have taken a positive step towards increasing your own knowledge in order to create a healthy and balanced pack for you and your dog(s). 

‘Is it my fault?’

With most ‘dog problems’ it is actually a case of having to retrain the owner, not the dog. When I first explain this concept, many people feel bad and as if they have somehow let their dog down. If you feel the same way, then don’t! Let me point out a couple of things:

  • Your dog could be in a shelter 

Many dogs are not fortunate enough to even have a family, some spend their lives confined in a cage with little or no interaction with humans and other dogs. If your dog is unbalanced then you need to do a little homework, but it’s nothing we can’t handle together.

  • You are seeking help 

The very fact there you are here and reading this proves that you care enough about your dog to seek help. The good news is that a healthy balanced dog is not out of your reach! By increasing your knowledge of dog behaviour you will better understand what it your dog needs and then be able to begin practicing this. Not only will your dog thank you for your new found leadership skills but hopefully it will be able to teach you a few things about yourself too. 

  • Dogs live in the moment

Many people are concerned that their dog is ‘stuck in its way’s’ or ‘too old’ to change and don’t realise that dogs live in the moment. Living in the past is uniquely human; this is a great lesson to learn from our canine companions. One of my objectives for this website is to raise awareness of just how much we can learn from our dogs - the leadership skills required to be a responsible owner will transfer directly to our personal and professional lives!

I am very thankful for all of the lessons taught to me by dogs. It is my intention for this site to give you practical advice on handing your animal and understanding its thoughts. I also like to pay particular attention to the lessons we can learn for our own personal growth as members of the greater pack of humanity.

On a personal note I would like to say welcome to Heart of the Pack. I encourage you to read the articles and hope that these help add value to you and your packs life. Good luck in your quest for balance!

Sincerely, Jack  

Continue to FIRST ARTICLE 5 Steps to a social dog