Dog Training Nuggets Blog

This means that, in the wilds, a dog needs to cooperate with others dogs -  the pack -  for its survival. And in order to survive the individual must follow the “rules and laws” of the pack.

ADSENSE 

This is, among other things, why the dog is the most social, loved and common pet. Her instinctive will to work in the pack/family  makes her, compared to most other animals, easier to teach a behaviour that we consider important and enjoyable.

The pack meets a lot of basic needs for the individual dog. The pack community provides for example food, company, safety, warmth, body contact, play and physical as well as mental activity. The dog thinks of her owner and his/her family as her pack. Therefore, it’s our responsibility as pack leader to see to our dog’s basic needs - physically as well as mentally.

A puppy should not be left alone from her pack (you!) in more than very short periods. Even an adult dog should not have to be alone more than max. 4 hrs a day. They need to be able to be with her pack most of the day, in order to fullfill her need of company and to stay mentally healthy.

Can you fulfill this, and the dog’s other needs 24/7 for the next, say, 10 years? If that’s the case, you can look forward to a fun and stimulating - and at times troublesome! - time.

As a dog owner!