On Old, And, Not, So Old 'Dogs' Learning New -Tricks...

    Our dog, Gorm, came into our fold, approximately 1 and 1/2 year(s) ago; my...how time flies. He arrived, a 5-week old pup, too cute for words, and, stealing our hearts away, without effort. As far as we've been concerned, til recently, we have felt ourselves good masters, raising a dog, in typical fashion, as we have others; meeting his needs and loving him as one of our clan. As it turns out, this treatment of and toward him has not been so advantageous for any of us, especially, him; as, now, due to his breed, temperament, and high-intellect, he, truly, considers himself 'one of us', and, more than, this, he thinks himself 'the boss', in some, circumstances. As he feels to be 'large, and, in charge', this has caused a dilemma within our domicile; this to the point of our considering getting rid of him. The mastiff in him manifests his remarkable, instinctive, bonding within our clan; as this, particular, breed is known to immediately assume that place in a family, and, as with other dogs, does not recognize the difference between itself, or it's extended, household-members; this, making it all the more imperative for it's owners to instill in the dog, it's 'rightful' place and position. Also, because of his breed, Gorm is on the bigger-side; and, for this, and, other reasons, we cannot allow him to 'throw his weight around', so to speak. Many animal-lovers, and dog-owners, through what we consider fair and loving treatment of our animal(s), often, are not, truly, being fair to our pets; for in our effort to 'love' them, we, sometimes, spoil and confuse them; naturally, this being done without intent. Some dogs, that I've owned, have been responsive to, and, OK with, the manner in which I've raised them. Sometimes, it's more about the breed, or, individual-animal, than it is method of teaching it. With Gorm...well, he's different all the way around. He's highly-intelligent, intuitive, and, yes...manipulative; with, this characteristic being reinforced, without us realizing it. It's often all in the little things we allow our dogs, e.g., getting up on furniture (BIG 'NO- NO', BTW!) sitting w/ us while we dine, responding to it's 'demands', rather than 'vicey-versey', bestowing, unearned and unsolicited, treats, and, the list goes on. Dogs, who, historically, have been added to families to perform any manner of duties, are, today, typically, an addition for companionship, for us to love, and pamper. The thing is, though, they're still DOGS, regardless of how we treat them; and, because of this fact, we need to know them, understand them, and, paramount, to anything else, ALWAYS be their ALPHA...PERIOD! So, as of yesterday, per our veterinarian's sage advice, we are 'rewiring' Gorm's brain, and, retraining him, and, ourselves. This effort will take time, and, work, but, will be worth every second of each! Throughout this process, I am most hopeful that we will do Gorm justice, as he is a remarkable animal, and, we wish to keep him; and, in addition, although no 'Dog-Whisperer', myself, this 'Old Dog' is, also, gonna learn some 'new-tricks'. Just Sayin'...