This is good. This is good.

My parents have talked about this show, The Dog Whisperer, they watch on the Discovery Channel for awhile now. But, I never got a chance to watch it until over Christmas where I have access to more channels then just what comes in through my $9.99 antenna. It left me very intrigued and Jerod and I even rented a few episodes from Hastings one night. That left us hooked and now Jerod DVR's every episode he can. In a way, it reminds me of that show Supernanny. There are problem children/dogs and then the expert is asked to come in to cure these problem children/dogs of their wild and disobedient ways. But, as if the parents/owners don't expect it, this "expert" comes in and starts training THEM instead of the assumed problem children/dogs. It's always the same premise. You have to be the boss. Stop babying them and give them discipline for their own good and stop feeling sorry for them. It's YOU that is the problem, not THEM.

I've had to change my tactics since Honey has moved in. Akita's have more potential for taking control of you then the typical breed, so both Jerod and I have stepped it up in showing her that we're the boss. Little did I know that it would teach me that Cache has been the pack leader of my house for some time. He's not agressive about it, but in small subtle ways, he has been dominant over me. He goes through the doorways first, he expects food anytime and anywhere, he expects a walk when I put on my tennis shoes, he expects a treat when he sits. I had no idea that those small things were showing me that he runs the house. Hmmm. Who knew??

So, Honey and Cesar (the Dog Whisperer) have changed the dynamic in my house. I've been strict with Honey making her be submissive (and believe me, she is testing me!), but at the same time, I have been allowing Cache to keep the Alpha Dog status by treating him as I always have. It's confusing to them both, and that is why there has been fighting. Honey is the natural leader, but I have been trying to force Cache into leadership without really realizing it, and therefore confusing the natural pack order that they would've set a long time ago if I hadn't unintentionally interfered.

Since I've started realizing this and started treating Cache differently, the dynamic in the house is starting to change. I really noticed it this last weekend when there was this calm and relaxed feeling throughout the house. Cache and Honey are getting along. Cache submits, and Honey keeps him in check (without being a bully about it). Honey gets fed first (after her pack leaders, of course), gets affection first and Cache calmly waits his turn. HE wasn't the one with the problem with the pack order, it was ME. And now, he is becoming a much happier and CALMER dog.

I'm not saying it's all fixed. For example, I now have one of these on my wish list. And I wouldn't mind a copy of this. But, I'm working on it. It's harder work being a dog owner then I realized. You always have to be the leader and LOOK like a leader. Maybe one of these would help me achieve that look, huh?