Chapter 3
Introducing Your Family

Greeting a family member for the first time can be a pleasant experience … or a chaotic one. Follow the steps in this chapter to teach your dog his name and teach him how to politely interact with the human and animal members of your family.

Set the tone from the start–this is a harmonious household. Your dog must understand that he may not bully or overrun your child nor the cat.

Teach your dog how to interact calmly with other animal family members.

Teach the children in your household how to act respectfully toward the dog and how to de-escalate a potentially excitable situation.

Teach Your Dog His Name

TEACH IT:

Many dog owners take it for granted that their dog knows her own name, but that is not always the case. Make an effort to ensure your dog knows her name.

 1  When your dog is walking around, say her name in a happy voice.

2 When she gives you her attention, give her a treat. Increase the distance so she has to come to you to get the treat.

3 Pair her name with other positive experiences: “Kimba, chowtime,” “Kimba, fetch,” “Kimba, go for a walk.”

WHAT TO EXPECT: The more rewarding of an experience to attach to your dog’s name, the faster she will learn to respond to it. Every time you have something good to give her, insert her name into the event.

BEFORE YOU START

Decide on ONE name for your dog, and say it in a consistent voice.

TROUBLESHOOTING

I JUST ADOPTED MY DOG. CAN I CHANGE HER NAME?

Yes. It takes about two months of consistent use for your dog to become very familiar with her name.

TIP! You want your dog to have a positive association with her name, so only use it in a happy voice in conjunction with good things. If you have to reprimand your dog, simply say “no!” or “cut it out!” without using her name.

STEPS:

 1  Say your dog’s name in a happy voice.

2 When she looks at you, give her a treat.

3 Pair her name with other positive experiences.

Teach Respect for Other Pets

TEACH IT:

Your dog must respect the other pets in your household and not cause them fear.

 1  Let your cat feel more in control by being higher up. When she is in a calm mood, allow your leashed dog to investigate the cat.

2 If your dog is too interested, redirect her attention back to you by offering a treat or gentle (not excited) cooing.

3 Be in control of the situation. If the cat is hissing or showing signs of stress, remove your dog and try again later.

4 Use a soft but firm voice to tell her to “be gentle.”

WHAT TO EXPECT: Some dog breeds were bred as hunters and will have the instinct to chase or shake the cat. Even these natural instincts can be kept in check, however, with firm and consistent enforcement of house rules. It will be far easier for the animals to control their excitement indoors, rather than outdoors.

BEFORE YOU START

Your dog will want to sniff the cat. Instead, give him the cat blanket to investigate. This will reduce the excitement of meeting the live cat.

TROUBLESHOOTING

MY CAT IS MEAN TO MY DOG!

It is not uncommon for a dog to wind up at the vet’s office due to a cat scratch on his eye. If your pets aren’t going to be friends, then they need to keep their distance from each other. Call your dog away from the cat whenever she approaches. The serious tone of your voice will let your dog know this is a household rule.

TIP! Give your cat some places where only he can access, such as a small cat door into the laundry room.

STEPS:

 1  Allow your cat to have the height advantage.

2 If your dog is too interested, redirect her attention toward you.

3 Be in control. Remove your dog if things escalate.

4 Tell your dog to “be gentle.”

Teach Respect for Children

TEACH IT:

Your dog should respect every member of your family, including the children. Help your dog understand this by backing up your child’s commands.

 1  Stand behind the child as she gives the dog a command that the dog knows well, such as “sit.” Have the child use strong, straight body posture and a clear, commanding voice.

2 If your dog does not obey the child, immediately back the child up by giving the same command to your dog.

3 When your dog obeys, let the child give her the treat. Food is power, and by letting the child control the food, you are increasing her power.

4 Walking a dog is another way of demonstrating leadership. Have the child walk the dog, as you follow behind, ready to help out if needed.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Look for opportunities every day where the child can give a command and a reward to your dog. In just a few weeks you’ll see a big difference in how your dog responds.

BEFORE YOU START

Have a talk with the child about respectful, kind behavior toward your dog and safety measures.

TROUBLESHOOTING

MY DOG IS NOT OBEYING THE CHILD.

Try having the child stand on a box. Height implies authority.

TIP! Respect is a two way street. In order for your dog to respect the child, the child must be kind and respectful to the dog as well.

STEPS:

 1  Stand behind your child as she gives the command.

2 Back the child up by giving the command yourself.

3 Let the child give the treat.

4 Walk behind the child as she walks your dog.

Safety Around Children

TEACH IT:

What can a child do when a dog starts jumping on her? Or nipping at her or scratching her? How should a child act when approached by an unfamiliar or scary dog? Prepare your child with the “be a tree” technique of disengaging the dog.

 1  Dogs respond to energy with energy. To de-escalate the situation, have the child plant her roots. [This will stop the child from running. Running engages the dog’s chase drive.]

2 Fold in her branches. [This stops flailing arms, and also puts the child’s hands where the dog can sniff them. The child’s hands should be open, so the dog knows she is not gripping a treat.]

3 And look down at her leaves. [Eye contact can be confrontational. When the child looks at her hands, she cannot make eye contact with the dog.]

4 If the dog knocks the child down, she should then “be a rock.”

WHAT TO EXPECT: The “be a tree” technique is extremely effective. The more often the child uses it with your dog, the faster your dog will learn to disengage.

BEFORE YOU START

Have the child practice this technique without the dog. That way it will become second nature to perform when necessary.

TROUBLESHOOTING

HOW OLD DOES A CHILD HAVE TO BE TO USE THIS TECHNIQUE?

Very young children, even toddlers, can use this technique effectively.

TIP! Food can easily trigger a dog and lead to aggressive or pushy behavior. Be cautious of letting a child near a dog with food.

STEPS:

 1  Plant your roots …

2 Fold in your branches …

3 Look at your leaves.

4 If you get knocked down, be a rock.