Q: We have a question about our dogs behavior and hope you can help. When my husband is home he is Dr. Jekyll, But when he's gone and it's just me ,  he becomes Mr. Hyde.
my husband doesn't believe that such a good dog, can become such a terror since he hasn't seen it for himself. I love my dog he's like my child and would hate to have to give him up, but I cannot seem to get control of him the way my husband does. Why is he reserving his unruly behavior just for me while remaining obedient for him? Is it me, or does my dog just like him more?

Chaos in Camden

A: Based on your comments, it's not that your dog prefers your husband to you, clearly your husband represents himself as the authority figure, where you have become more of a playmate than a leader. Whenever there is inconsistency in the home with regards to maintaining pack structure and discipline the dog will become confused and start making up his own rules based on which pack members are present at that particular time.

Packs are dynamic, meaning that they are constantly changing, members comes and go. Since dogs have no true concept of time, their only real concern, is who's in charge, right now. Therefore, when your husband leaves and you do not maintain the level of leadership that he presents, the dog sees that as a sign of weakness and takes over leadership of the pack. When your husband returns he relinquishes command back to the more powerful presence.

In order for you to assume command in your husband absence, the first thing you need to do is become consistent with his leadership.  Be firm! Firm, does not mean force, however it does mean that you must communicate to your dog in a very clear and decisive manner that YOU are the boss. There are rules to be followed and must be obeyed at all times. Any violation of the rules, will bring about a swift  punishment. 

This can be anything from a harsh tone NOT SCREAMING, but rather a deep growling tone, to a physical leash correction. Depending on your dogs temperament and sensitivity level.

The important thing to remember is to not confuse the dog. Make it clear the difference between right and wrong. Do the right thing, you get rewarded , do the wrong thing and you will be corrected. 

To be a good effective leader, always remember that everything is on your terms . You make the rules, you enforce them, your dog should never dictate to you, the terms.

This article was published May 17th, 2009 on Page 5 of the Sunday Sentinel