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The twentieth century is the first time in which pet dogs outnumbered working dogs. Traditionally a dog spent the day beside her owner, obeying commands and being reminded that Dad was the boss and that she was the helper. Dogs were fed on table scraps after the family had eaten. Dogs were considered inferior and certainly would not be allowed on the bed or other furniture. Dogs probably weren't even allowed in the house. To the dog, these are signs of her status.
Today we pamper our pets and they get poor signals as to what is their status. They don't get much exercise and so they have a surplus of energy. We live much closer together in apartments and town houses than when the majority of people lived on farms and so minor transgressions seem much more significant.
Today we must make a special effort to cultivate a positive relationship with our dogs and so obedience training becomes critically important. Allie Lee and I were talking about the people who buy a dog and then have no time to train him. I feel that this is a cop-out. Anyone can give a command to "sit" or "down" before feeding their dog at mealtime. Allie came up with the concept of integration. Integrate your dog into your daily routine. You know that you need more exercise so take your dog for an honest walk. Integrate your dog into your life.
In "Dog Training in 10 Minutes" Carol Lea Benjamin says, "If you are not included in what your dog likes to do, all that's left for you is to be included in the things he doesn't like so well, the things that are difficult for him, annoying or painful." (Like going to the vet.)
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