How to Be a Dog Whisperer

Almost everyone who has ever owned a pet has looked into their dog's eyes and wondered what the pet was thinking. Then there are a select few who seem to always be in tune with their pets and understand exactly what their dogs want. Being a dog whisperer takes a lot of patience and an understanding of how dogs think. With some practice, you too can be a dog whisperer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Practice makes perfect. To be a dog whisperer, you need to be around dogs as much as possible. The more exposure you have to dogs, the more likely you are to start understanding their needs and wants. So having a few at home is a good start, as well as spending time with friends' and family members' dogs as well.
2. Understand what motivates your dog. Dogs are pack animals, and most of their behavioral issues stem from this pack mentality. A dog can be either a leader or a follower. If there isn't a strong leader present in the pack, then there may be a power struggle. So to be a dog whisperer, you have to help your dog settle into his role as a follower.
3. Treat her like an animal. This is a common mistake that pet owners often make; they try to personify their pets by giving them human characteristics, which can lead to problems. To connect with your dog, you must realize that her needs and behavior are motivated by different things than yours are. Once you understand what motivates her, you can tap into your inner dog whisperer.
4. Stay calm. If you're calm, animals can pick up on it and will be calm themselves. A good dog whisperer never shows fear or nervousness, even if the dog is threatening to bite or attack. Be assertive and strong, and let the dog know that you won't sway to his power struggle.