SPOILED ROTTEN There are plenty of pampered, loved, adored dogs who are NOT spoiled rotten. Like spoiled children, the over-indulged dog is not happier. Dogs and children need limits and structure in order to have security and good self esteem. The little princess at right gets everything she needs and more, and she appreciates every thing she gets. She is confident but not pushy, eager to please, eager to work, and loves to show off! Her family adores her. Visitors who meet her, love her! She is pampered, but not spoiled!!

The characteristics of the over-indulgent owner:

• Can't say no, caters to the dog's every whim.
• Can't set limits.
• Feels guilty.
• Is often frustrated and sometimes even afraid of their dog.
• Plans their life around their dog's wants and needs.
• Often says "I can't, she won't" and "she won't let me."

The characteristics of an over-indulged dog:

• Can't accept "no" for an answer, is difficult to live with, talks back.
• No impulse control, no limits, comes when called only when it suits them.
• Doesn't listen. No respect, no manners, demands what it wants NOW!
• Intolerant of change - experiences stress when left alone or when a new pet or person joins the family.
• Is often frustrated - throws tantrums - may act out.
• Little tantrums can grow into aggression, house soiling & destruction, resource guarding, hoarding, picky eating.
• The spoiled dog may lack confidence and be shy, or be overly-confident and be a bully.
• Intolerant of handling - difficult to groom, difficult for the veterinarian.
• Is either intrusively friendly or aggressive to visitors, not trustworthy with children.
• Doesn't know who the leader is, so steps into the role. Little tyrants may urine mark.

The spoiled dog and over-indulgent pet-owner are not happy.

Happy, satisfied dogs know what the rules are and who the leader is. They know how to earn what they want and need in life, and enjoy offering behaviors that please the human they look up to. Dogs love to have jobs! When they are afraid or unsure, they also know who to go to for security. When they feel the need to be protective, they know who to look to for verification and gladly let the pack leader take over.

They are less frustrated, more confident, they feel safer. They get more smiles and more pets and more praise than their spoiled, demanding, never-satisfied counterparts. Which dog would you rather have waiting when you come home?

It's up to you!!

It isn't unkind to set rules and expectations. The kindest thing you can do for your dog is provide structure! Rules have a stabilizing effect on the dog. Order and predictability can be very reassuring to your best friend. The consistent feed back is essential for his peace of mind.

Articles on how to build a healthy relationship with your dog:
Cooperative Canine
Follow the Leader
Separation Anxiety
Should My Dog Sleep in Bed?

This handout may be reprinted in its entirety for distribution free of charge and with full credit given:
© CAROL A. BYRNES "DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF" Training for Dogs & Their People -
ditr_training @ hotmail.com - http://www.diamondsintheruff.com