Everything I Ever Needed To Know About Management I Learned From My Dog.

• Dogs need training. A dog who does not know basic obedience is often a nuisance, and perhaps a danger to themselves or others. People need training too.
  
• Dogs need attention/time from their people. Spend time with your people!
  
• Dogs need socialization with other dogs to be happy and well adjusted. Even if it is an "only dog", a dog that has spent time with other dogs is better adjusted.
  
• Dogs work better in a group. My dog is happier as part of a pack.
  
• Leaders settle disputes. The "alpha" will jump in to settle a "fight".
  
• Leaders go first. The alpha dog will go out the door before any other dog.
  
• Leaders share, they can let other dogs play with toys. The alpha will not necessarily take all the toys for themselves, but will let other dogs take toys. They are confident in their ability to take it back if they have to.
  
• Dogs keep their nose to the ground and their eyes on the road ahead
  
• There is one leader – no big hierarchy.
  
• As the leader you must always be having to prove yourself ( other dogs will continually test you to be the next leader ) .
  
• Dogs need something meaningful to do. Dogs who have it in their nature to hunt, heard or guard are happiest when doing these things. If there is no outlet for this sort of behavior, then dogs may have behavioral problems.
  
• Dogs need direction, they want to be told what to do. Watch a well trained dog, they are keeping eye contact with the handler and waiting for the next command.
  
• Dogs fight but usually no one gets seriously hurt
  
• Sometimes you have to show somebody who is boss – hump their leg! Alpha female dogs will "hump" male dogs to show dominance.
  
• Dogs don't care what color(s) you are.
  
• Leaders watch the other dogs. The alpha tends to keep to itself, but is always watching what the other dogs are doing.
  
• Make time to sleep and play everyday.
  
• Meet new people at the door. My dogs cant wait for strangers to come to the house, they get so excited. Is your organization welcoming of newcomers? Are you excited because they are there?
  
• Dogs have clear boundaries and "mark" their territory. Does your organization have clear boundaries and clear roles?
  
• Stretch before doing any strenuous work. Dogs always stretch when they get up. If you stretch before working, you can minimize ergonomic related injuries.
  
• Avoid biting when a growl will do. Dogs usually give warning signs before escalating a conflict. Watch for warning signs between people as a sign of potential conflict.