Expert: Anne Springer, B.S., Dip., CAPCT - 2/3/2012

Question
Is there a way to bond with dogs that aren't mine? I am a pet sitter and find it quite difficult sometimes to control clients dogs esp on walks. I understand the leader mentality but am wondering if a dog only has one?

Answer
Firstly, you should understand that there should be no "pack leader mentality" - we now know, from scientific studies, that dogs don't form linear hierarchies and that their relationships are more fluid than the old "alpha dog" theories.  David L. Mech, who did the original captive wolf studies that lead to the pack leader, or dominance theory, now says that he was wrong.  He even made a youtube video about it.  If you have trouble controlling the dogs (I assume because they pull you, or are rambunctious) then ask each owner if you can use a humane no pull harness on the dog.  There are several brands: Sensible, Walk Your Dog with Love, Easy Walk, etc.  The leash, in all these halters, clips to a chest ring, not a ring at the dog's back.  As to relationship, once you *stop* thinking of yourself as alpha, and start thinking of yourself as a camp counselor, you might have better luck;-))  Ignore behavior that displeases you so that the dog gets no attention, or reinforcement, for it.  Then, remember to reward the dog when you are pleased, or he's walking along nicely.  I found that once I made the switch to thinking more about what I want dogs to do, rather than what I wanted them to stop doing, I got more successful as a trainer.
Most dogs like high pitched noises, so talking to them in those tones is often more reinforcing than other pitches.