Leader of the Pack

It seems that whenever I read anything about puppies, "showing your puppy that you are the pack leader" is mentioned at one point or another. Cesar Millan is big on the idea that being firm and unwavering will help establish 'who's boss' between a puppy and his person.  For me, I think this concept comes easily for me because I'm the kind of Mom who wants her children to flourish, but they are not going to, well, lead me. I'm in charge, I'm the boss, I make decisions that are based on their well-being, and unless I ask for their input I'd really rather not hear it from them. Hm, that sounds a bit more strict than I really am. After all, my kids get in trouble often enough for talking back, so clearly I have allowed them to think I want to hear their thoughts on any given matter. That's for another blog. We're talking puppies here.

So once we were reminded that the hubby and I have to let Jax know that we are in charge of him, it seemed Jax decided to go all rebellious puppy on us! If we told him no, Jax would growl at us, run away if he had something we didn't want him to have (like I want to chase a dog down), and sometimes he would bark at us as if to say, "Hey, I have some thoughts on what you're telling me to do!" Is it just animal nature to want to be in charge of ourselves? Jax sure does seem to want to regulate his own life, until it comes to being fed and having his every need provided. Hm, sounds like the babies I birthed!

I had to come down hard on Jax the other day, coincidentally the same morning the kids decided to test me, and although I felt bad some time later, it has really paid off. Now when I tell Jax no, he drops whatever he has in his mouth (rocks, hair bands, today a popped balloon) usually immediately. I don't have to feel like "I'm the leader of the pack" but I most definitely expect the smallest, currently neediest, of my children to at the very least LISTEN to me when I tell him what to do. Heck, I play with Jax, I make sure Jax is safe, brush Jax, buy Jax new toys and treats, walk with a very distracted and slow Jax, feed Jax bright and early, and I absolutely love that little furry guy we call Jax. So really? The least that child of ours could do is listen and, even if it's only most of the time much like the kids I birthed, obey.