Making sure whos the boss.

Question
Hello, Labman

My four-month-old Lab-Newfie cross is, as you might expect, a beautiful animal, but which is so far subject to the usual faults of puppidom.

Accordingly, when it comes to her chewing things, and to the tug-of-war, I have adopted a curing technique (early days yet) I seem to have invented.  (This, at least to the extent that I see no prior evidence of it.)

As it is important in these instances for the dog to come away the looser, I have taken, in the more determined instances, to pinching the tip of Mollie's tail--not severely; not enough to cause pain, but just enough to make her want to let go.

It certainly works--instantly. My question to you is, do you think the technique is in any way unwise?

Regards,
Dan O'Hanlon  

Answer
I am not sure it is that bad, but I don't think it will help get to where she drops something because you said ''Mollie, drop!'' in a quiet firm voice.  Making and holding eye contact is very important there.

The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

Here are some more ways to help claim your place in the pack:

''Elevation for small puppies:  Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up.  He is facing you.  Hold him for 15 seconds.  Repeat until he no longer struggles.  If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.  

Cradling for small puppies:  Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby.  If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds.  With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down:  Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you.  Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position.  When he is quiet, praise him.  Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position.  When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''