Spoiled Dog Test
To What Extend Spoiling is Normal and What Backfires on You

Taken From the Book, "Hidden Secrets Behind Dog Training"
Revealing the Best & Worst Ways to Train Your Dog.

Whether you are trying to obedience-train your dog, solve his behavioral issues, or just want to housebreak him, the more spoiled your dog is, the harder it’s going to be to turn it around. I agree that all you are doing is showing your love and appreciation to your dog any way you can, but unfortunately, dogs don’t rationalize like this. Even some people aren’t always as logical, fair or nice to you just because you happen to be sweet and loving to them. Do you know why that is? It’s because once in a while you just have to show your “psycho” side. I’m joking. I’m joking. Don’t send me a mean e-mail now.

Let’s face it. It definitely takes more than love to make human relationships work and it’s NOT much different when it comes to our dogs.

The ingredient I’m referring to is clearly R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Sadly, it is impossible to build respect through bribery or by spoiling your dog. Don’t get me wrong. Just like you, I love and adore dogs. I probably even love them more than you do. I’ve invested over two decades of my life and devotion to dogs, but I also understand and follow the principal of balance. One of my mottos in life is: Everything in moderation!

Now let’s see how many of these questions you can relate to. Some of these will make you smile, some will make you laugh, and some will make you shake your head in disbelief. You’ll be thinking that I made up some of them. Trust me. I don’t have the time or space in my book to make up anything. I’ve seen these spoiled dogs live a luxurious life and I thought to myself, “If I ever come back to this life as a dog, I’d kill to be one of these dogs.”

IMPORTANT: Don’t automatically assume that just because you have been honest in answering these questions, that automatically makes your dog a “hopeless” or “an impossible” case.  I prefer to call them as more challenging cases. Now, whether you make this transformation on your own or with the help of an expert, most spoiled dogs do test and challenge their lovely owners and will not go down without a fight. And I can’t blame them for it. After all, we do create our own monsters.

Can your dog literally compose a song by playing you like a fiddle? Or maybe it’s not that bad. Here’s how to find out! Just remember-

The more you answer yes, the more in trouble you got yourself into. Have fun and here we go:

• Does your dog sleep on the bed with you or with any of your kids?
  
  
• Do you hate feeding your dog on schedule and the bowl is full 24/7?
   
• Do you let your dog up on your couch or do you have a blanket on part of your couch to keep it clean from your dog’s fur? Does your blanket have a special shield to protect it from all kinds of germ and odors? That way no matter how dirty, muddy, wet or smelly your dog may get, you and your furniture will always be protected. How about no blanket at all? You wouldn’t want to mess up your home’s décor, would you? 
  
  
• Do you pat and massage your dog day and night for no apparent reason and just for being alive? The hardworking husband would appreciate a backrub and the poor wife would certainly love a foot massage, but only Roxy gets hers every night—guaranteed.
   
• Do you avoid making your dog sit or lie down even if it’s just for a few seconds, on hard floors, wet grass, concrete or wet ground because you know your dog hates it?
  
  
• Do you avoid putting your dog in his dog run, kennel, crate and play pen because they seem like doggie jail to you? Maybe you think your dog will lose his mind in there and might have a heart attack? Do you defy logic by constantly reminding yourself and saying, “It’s my home, which automatically makes it my dog’s home--it’s not Alcatraz for crying out loud.”

• When your dog whines, barks, scratches or howls to get your attention, for the most part, do you give in to his wants and needs? This could because he wants to come in, go out, be fed, get a treat, beg for your food off your plate. Or maybe he keeps on barking so you’ll hurry up and toss him that ball to play with.
  
  
• Do you take your dog with you everywhere you go? How about restricting yourself from going to places or even worse, from traveling because you believe your dog will think that you’ve abandon him? Perhaps you are worried of him barking, scratching, howling, crying, or destroying anything he can get his teeth on once you leave for a longer period of time. Or worse, do you honestly believe that your dog won’t love you as much just because you couldn’t take him with you everywhere you go? Is that even fair, realistic or even practical to you?
  
  
• Do you actually cook for your dogs? After all, you’ve noticed that none of your dogs  cared much for that nasty dog food. Gosh, can you believe that people actually feed that junk to poor dogs? Grrrrrrross! Whatever I get to eat, my dog eats. OK?
  
  
• Does your dog have his own human size couch? Heck, forget the sofa, how about his own separate room?     

• Do you honestly believe that the only way you can get your dog to listen is if you are holding or pretending to hold treat? Or worse, do you still give the treat to your dog regardless of whether he obeys you or not? Maybe your dog sniffs the air and looks at your hand and thinks to himself, “What kind of treat are we talking about here, Mommy? So if it falls under his favorite tidbit, he might listen and if not, he’ll just walk away giving you the bird.

• Do you feel as if your dog’s stalking you from room to room? Everybody knows your pooch just hates to be left alone. You can’t even use the restroom in peace or else your dog will freak out and we certainly don’t want that, do we? You often find yourself sitting on the toilet with the door wide open, staring at your panting dog right next to your feet. Some men prefer to read the newspaper on the toilet, and the lovely ladies prefer their dog protector right next to them.

• Do you believe leaving your dog’s collar on twenty-four hours a day will irritate him? Maybe it is because you don’t want to mess up that fur or have him keep scratching his neck. After all, he’s not going for a walk or to the vet, so why bother?
  
  
• Do you pick up your small dog every time “he” wants to be held? How about when you find him barking, lunging, whimpering or when he keeps on getting on his hind legs so you hurry up and hold him like a baby?
  
  
• Do you think you need to mix some canned food, chicken broth, cottage cheese, rice or any kind of sauce with every or at least one of your dog’s meals on a daily basis? I mean come on, your poor dog hardly eats or eats like a bird. And it’s a dog for crying out loud--not a parrot!
  

• Do you feed your dog off your plate? How about tossing him food as you cook? Is your dog thinking to himself, “Boy it’s fun to hang out in the kitchen because even if Mommy doesn’t accidentally drop some goodies, she’ll eventually toss me some. That’s what happens when you are cute like me.”
  
  
• Do you take any vacations? If not, is it because you think your dog will have a heart attack if you left him behind? I mean what are we? Cold-blooded killers?
  
  
• Do you think it’s funny or do you find yourself making excuses for your dog’s snapping and lunging when someone else gets near you? Don’t mistake this behavior with your dog being protective. This is being aggressive. What is there to protect? Was the other person truly a threat? Basically your dog’s saying, “Get away from me.” Or “Get away from my mommy. She’s all mine.”
  
  
• Do you carry your small dog like a baby everywhere you go? Or do you have a carrier or doggie stroller?
  
  
• Do you want to breed your dog? Is this because you are planning to keep one of her pups? Maybe you’re married to one of those macho men who just refuse to neuter Bubba? Tell your man, “Look Honey, there will be only one set of testicles in this house. You choose!”

• Do you celebrate your dog’s birthdays? I am talking about a “full blast party” with all of your friends bringing their dogs to that mansion of yours. How about Halloween parties complete with doggie costumes and doggie treats?

• Do you always find yourself defending your dog’s unacceptable behavior or trying to justify it? As far as you’re concerned, it couldn’t be your dog’s fault! You always make an excuse for his unacceptable behavior. Whether your dog growls, lunges, seriously bites people or goes for the kill, it is always someone else’s fault and NEVER your dogs’.

• Do you consider your dog as one of your kids? Is it because you don’t have any kids of your own? Maybe you have not been able to have kids, or you just aren’t ready for kids. Perhaps all your kids are grown and have moved out. So in a way, the dogs have replaced your kids.
  

And last but not least, does your dog have a human name or a tough name? I’ll go over tough names first: Spike, Rebel, Bear, Max short for Maximus, Titan, Sampson, Killer, Demon, Zoro, Cowboy, Blade, Bullet, Grenade, Stitch, Havoc, and of course—Cujo. Pink the famous pop singer’s dog name isn’t really that hard to forget either. It is “Fu**er.” No joke. And Sean William Scott’s dog’s name is Dude.   

I had a client who only had German Shepherds throughout his life and named them, Chief, Prince and the last one, King. I asked him jokingly, “So what will you name the next one—GOD???” And yes, dogs with human names also turn out to be very spoiled and play dumb with you. I’m sure there is a reason, but I would never name a dog Dave, Bonnie, Julie, or Ralphie, but many do. You may find this hard to believe, but dogs with human names are frequently treated as humans. Sometimes it’s the parents who let the kids pick a human name for the dog.

Hello??? You Are NOT a Bitch and Not All Men Are Considered Dogs:

You are a human being and shouldn’t label yourself as an alpha dog! Unlike most dog training books and dog trainers, I do NOT recommend that anyone become the “top-dog” or “the alpha dog.” I never really understood trainers that advise you to bark, growl, or even yelp like a dog in order to make a point. That’s absurd! Ask yourself who is the animal here? Now, if you really want to act like an alpha dog and become the top dog, put on a doggie costume, get on your knees, start barking and then try the following:

·    Urinate in every corner of your house and on your dog’s bed.
·    Every time you catch your dog eliminating, run and urinate on that spot.
·    Whenever you feel like it, hump your dog like a wild beast.
·    Slam your dog like unpredictable psycho on his back whenever you feel like it.
·    And oh, how can I forget to throw some treats on the floor and if your dog comes near them growl, lunge and keep him away as you wolf it down as fast as you can. Be sure to keep on growling as you gobble them. That’s right. It has look and feel convincing.

Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? If you are desperate enough to mimic this kind of behavior, your poor dog just might think for a moment that Mommy or Daddy is trying to become an “alpha dog.” You see, it doesn’t really matter how old, what breed, or what size your dog is, if you have answered yes to “most” of these questions, you will HAVE TO make some drastic changes in your attitude and in your approach. Otherwise, you are simply wasting your time, wasting your money and definitely ruining your dog’s true potential.
   
Let’s face it. No dog is ever born spoiled. Just like kids, it is the parents who treat and raise them that way. I agree that the majority of dogs are naturally intelligent and sometimes even headstrong. But if their owners constantly spoil them, they will definitely put up a good fight and will not let you easily become the leader. And why should they?

I love my dog dearly and admit that he is somewhat spoiled, but he is also very obedient. In this book, you will learn the secrets of how to become your dog’s master and still be its best friend. You will become a true leader and still be your dog’s buddy. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be? After all-  ..................................................................................................................................................................
Anybody can scare a dog into submission and make him obey commands like a robot or a dog with no spirit. But if you want a healthy relationship with your dog, you need to be firm and kind. Face it; you can’t expect much in return if all you do is keep on spoiling your dog rotten.
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You’ve heard the saying, “Love is not enough!” It is the same when it comes to building a healthy and balanced relationship with your pooch.

I will be straightforward with you. It doesn’t really matter how well this book is written, how experienced and effective I or anyone else may be in working with dogs. It all starts with YOU. Bottom line, without creating that change; your dog will still OWN you and run your life. The choice is yours. I realize that it is your dog and your decision. But don’t forget that it is also your headache, your arguments, your frustrations, your carpet, your angry neighbors, and your family who will ultimately suffer the most due to your dog’s unacceptable bad habits. So choose wisely!

!!! YOUR WAKE-UP CALL !!!

Admit it. Right now your dog jumps up on whomever, play-bites whenever, barks whenever, bolts out whenever, gets a belly rub whenever, listens to you whenever, steals things off tables and counters whenever, chews and destroys anything he can get his teeth on. Gets a treat whenever, drags you on the leash wherever, and even pees, poops or marks wherever he wants to. Okay, maybe your dog isn’t that bad… but he snaps at you or your loved ones whenever, sleeps wherever, terrorizes your visitors whenever, or attacks your cat or your other dogs whenever. As you can see, your dog can do anything he darn well feels like doing!

Did that feel like someone just threw a bucket of cold water in your face? I hope so. If not, you might want to jump in an ice cold pool and then start reading my next chapter. Or maybe have Todd Palin take you on a wild ride Maverick style snow machine of his. 

Written by International Master Trainer and Canine Psychologist, Kevin "The Dog Prodigy"