The Pack Leaders

Dogs are pack animals. They are designed to be in community, and they operate under pack rules. Dominance, submission, leadership, and respect are major factors. There must be a pack leader. If you don't take that role, your dog will. Many owners make the mistake of not disciplining their dogs, not commanding their dog's respect, and not establishing a clear chain of command and house rules and expectations.

My husband, Nate, and I wanted to be sure to assert our role as pack leaders, especially in taking on the powerful, often dominant breeds that we did. We do not want to be "mommy" and "daddy" to our dogs. They are not our children. They are our dogs. I'm not looking down on anyone who uses these terms. It's not necessarily about labels, it's about the energy you assert and the discipline you enforce. Anyone who knows our pack will tell you our dogs are "spoiled." And they're probably right. But every treat, every toy, every snuggle on the couch is by our initiation and invitation. They do not have free reign.

We can get into discipline and training more later. the point is, our pack is not just our three dogs. The pack leaders are just as important, if not moreso. So here we are:

Nate, The Master

Nate is an IT Tech at a local university, and he is a closet dog whisperer. Those dogs have done everything he's told them to since day one. It's really remarkable actually. And a little frustrating, when, for example, Arwen wiggles around me and takes off down the street, blatantly ignoring my calls to come. One word from Nate, still sitting on the couch watching tv, and she's at his heels. He helps keep the pack balanced, particularly when it comes to affection and discipline. He is a calm, wise, sensible, and loving Master.

Ashleigh, The "Missy"

I am a singer and music teacher. I love every minute of it, but I think if I had a second life to live, I would train dogs. It's so much work, and so much fun! I love teaching the dogs new obedience commands and new tricks. They also keep me safe on our daily (and sometimes twice daily!) walks/runs. The leadership "energy" required to master a pack doesn't come naturally to me, but I have studied and learned a lot, and I enjoy being a work in progress and seeing my pack grow more disciplined, loving, and stable. And yes, I am guilty of teaching them excessively snuggling. And you're welcome to hit the couch with us any time.

"Uncle" Ben

Ben is a good family friend, and an honorary member of our pack. Like any good uncle, Ben has been deeply involved in the bringing up of our three pups. He watches them for us when we travel, comes over to play ball, and takes them on hikes in the woods. He keeps a rather legendary blog here. Uncle Ben is also an excellent spooner. And he's a rock star. That makes him pretty much the coolest uncle you could possibly have.

Hillary, The Trainer

Hillary Dechane is the most amazing trainer in the whole world. Period. The end. She came into our lives shortly after we adopted Arwen, and our pack hasn't been the same since. Hillary uses a combination of methods and approaches. She has always been extremely intuitive and flexible, walking with us through puppyhood, high anxiety, the ever-challenging "heel," e-collar training, and yes, even pack aggression. That's a story you won't want to miss. Hillary trains for No Leash Needed, a fabulous dog training and boarding organization here in St. Louis. She is also a seminary student at Covenant Theological Seminary. She has certainly been a blessing to us!

There's the core pack!