Many women come to me for help with their dogs. When we broach the inevitable subject of discipline, most women start to shy away. They want better control, but they don’t want to discipline their dogs as a means of getting that control. As I probe to find out why, I find a recurrent answer. “I’m afraid he won’t like me”, they say.
Have you ever known a woman whose only goal was to be loved by a man? When their sole goal is to be loved, women do stupid things. They come across as needy, clingy and weak. Decent men hate needy, weak women and so do dogs! If being loved by your dog is your only goal, I’m here to say you may never achieve it.
The irony is that to be loved, one must first be strong. Only when you take control of your dog and his behavior will he truly love and respect you. Just as good men are attracted to women with principles, confidence and standards, so are dogs. Nature loves strength; it hates weakness.
Instead of trying to get your dog to love you, try being a stronger leader. Stop accommodating his every whim. Set your boundaries and your rules. Enforce them quietly, but consistently. Give where you must; take where you can. Don’t be a doormat, be a Diva.
THAT’S how you get a dog to love you!
