The information below is based on Jan Fennell's excellent work with dogs.

Dog Language

Dogs have a complex society and rigidly adhere to the rules of their society. This is instinctive and is strongly felt in all dogs. It cannot be bred out or trained out. A dog remains a dog at all times.

Dog language is based on behaviour rather than verbal communication. Unwittingly we confuse dogs by giving them conflicting behavioural signals and therein lies the problem to the vast majority of conflict between dogs and humans.

As we have invited dogs into our lives, it is up to us to learn ‘dogese’. Although it is a simple language to learn, it does mean we have to think in a different way. This can be a challenge for many people - I know it was for me. However, if we keep our eye on the result (which, in most cases occurs very quickly), this helps enormously to keep us focused. This is a permanent way of life. Falling back in to the old ways will bring back the old problems.
All members of the household must observe these new rules and ways of treating the dog. Visiting friends must also abide by your new ways. If they won’t, remove the dog while the friend is there.

Amichien Bonding

I make no apology for drawing completely on the excellent work pioneered by Jan Fennell in her book The Dog Listener. She, in turn, was inspired by Monty Roberts, author of the book, The Man Who Listens to Horses.
I can’t recommend Jan’s work strongly enough. For further information and an interesting array of solved dog behavioural problems, visit her website, details at the top of the page.

Leadership

The most important thing to remember is to remain calm at all times. This system only works if you are showing leadership qualities, your own behaviour bringing other’s respect.
If you feel anger starting or your voice raising, walk away. Return only when you are calm again.

This new way of behaving with your dog is putting you in the position of leader in your dog’s eyes. You may think you are already the leader, but if your dog doesn’t agree (indicated by your unconscious signals), you have to change your behaviour in order to show the dog who is really the leader.

This system is based on calmness, respect, giving the dog the right signals so he wants to do things of his own free will, not because you insist. Positive things are rewarded (with titbits, praise, stroking the head or ears and/or play) and unwanted behaviour is ignored.
The key areas of weakness for a dog are its head, ears and neck. Stroking these areas are unequivocal signals - that I am the leader, that I know your weaknesses, but I am here to protect you.

To start, look upon your dog, not as a loyal and loving pet, but as a fierce protector of the wolf pack - your family.

The Four Basic Elements

One, the most important of all - the five minute rule.
Whenever you are separated from the dog, whether it’s for minutes, hours or days, the reunion must be done in canine language. The wolf pack leader never acknowledges the lower members of the pack initially. What you are allowing to happen is for the dog to settle down and quieten, in his own time. During this time, don’t make eye contact, don’t touch and don’t talk to your dog (if you do, you’ve blown it and must start again). The only thing you may do is to gently push the dog away if he's jumping in your face. Otherwise, totally ignore him. The dog will signal his acceptance by relaxing or walking off and lying down. From this point allow five minutes before acknowledging the dog.

After the five minutes you can then make as much fuss of the dog as you please. However it is also a good time to ask the dog to come to you. So, make eye contact and call the dog (requesting tone, rather than commanding tone) to you and reward with a titbit.
if at any point, the dog slips back into its old ways, leave the situation for at least an hour, then try again, ignoring it during this time.

Two is danger signals.
Dogs are ever on the alert for potential danger and will bark and run around when this is perceived to be happening. All he is doing is alerting the leader. You, as the leader, need to thank the dog, relieving him of the responsibility.
Visitors must always ignore the dog, as in the first basic element.
In over energetic dogs, removal of the dog may be indicated, but the dog must not be ejected. Praise, gentle removal and a titbit for co-operating will ensure the dog does not feel punished.

Three is taking charge of the walk.
To a dog, this is the same as going on a hunt. It’s very exciting. However, as the leader, it’s your job to show you have the situation under control. Ask the dog to come to heel and then move off. If the dog jumps around, barking at the excitement of anticipation, postpone the walk and try again later. Never allow the dog to walk ahead on a lead. That’s the leaders position. They must be beside you. See below for teaching the dog to heal. If the dog pulls on the lead, slacken it and postpone the walk.

Four is gesture eating.
This need only be applied for the first two weeks. Thereafter, your leadership will be obviously apparent in other ways. For maximum impact, feed the dog twice a day, if you’re not already doing so. Ensure the dog is paying attention. Place a small snack for each member of the family on a plate beside the dog’s bowl. Then prepare the dog’s meal. Without looking at the dog, get each member to come and eat their snack. Only when everyone has eaten can you put the bowl down for the dog. Then walk away allowing the dog to eat undisturbed by anyone, including other pets. If you have more than one dog, observe their natural pack order and put the bowls down in order of priority.

Some Useful Commands

There are some commands that a dog need to know, for his own safety. However, these need to be taught without force, so the dog does them willingly. The following methods are giving the dog very good reasons why they should do as you ask.

Learning to sit. First call the dog to you. Then bring a titbit up to the dog, almost touching the nose, but keep on going over the head. As the dog follows the food, it will tip back. As his bottom touches the ground, allow the dog to take the food at the same time saying ‘sit’. If the dog moves away, don’t give the food, just start again.

Learning to stay to heel. Call the dog to you. Stroke the head, ears and shoulders. Use a titbit to encourage the dog to walk beside you. Do not force the dog. If the dog pulls on the lead, stop and call it back, rewarding him and start again.

Learning to lie down. Encourage the dog under a piece of low furniture, rewarding him and saying ‘lie’ at the appropriate moment.

Learning to stay. Ask the dog to sit. Turn and face the dog. Take one step back, at the same time raising the palm of a hand and saying ‘stay’. Then call the dog to you and reward him Repeat, moving a little further away each time. If the dog moves off, return it to the same position and start again.

Don’t spend too long in a training session. Little and often is more likely to yield results.

In Conclusion

Never leave food down. If the dog doesn’t eat the meal, remove it til the next meal.

Teaching this method may take up to two weeks, however the more damaged a dog is the longer it is likely to take. During this time, normal routine is likely to be disturbed. Expect it and don’t stress about it. Your dog will pick up on your stress. Be patient, be gentle, be calm. There is no place for pain or fear in this method.

Some of the most challenging behavioural problems have been completely and permanently cured using this method, but it has to be a permanent way of life. In her book, Jan tells us the stories of some of these cases. For example a dog with such separation anxiety whenever his owner went out, that he had chewed the door frame back to the brickwork. A dog showing nervous aggression, suffered sudden mood swings and would nip at visitors. A German Shepherd attacking and biting visitors. An overprotective dog towards the woman, but aggressive towards her husband (without the obvious justification). An over exuberant dog constantly jumping in the face of its owners. Dogs that run wild when off the lead. Dealing with aggressive dogs when out on a walk. Soiling in the home. Introducing new adult dogs into the home. Problem eaters. Problem rescue dogs. Dogs who won’t travel.

It is very important to understand that dogs elect their leaders for the qualities in that dog. So they respect them. It is vitally important that you gain your dog’s respect by your leadership qualities. Remaining calm is essential. Then, in any emergency, they will automatically look to you for what to do and follow you.