M.E.L.T. Management, Education, Leadership, Training Published in St. Louis Pets Magazine A Quarterly Magazine Dedicated to Pet Lovers in St. Louis. Volume 1, Number 4, May 2000 M.E.L.T. is a structured approach for preventing behavior problems or an effective solution to an existing problem. There are four essential principles that are equally important for a well-adjusted pet. M.E.L.T. is the process of implementing the tools and knowledge of management, education, leadership and training by incorporating them into your pet's daily routine. MANAGEMENT - Be a good manager Management involves preventative measures and supervision to insure the safety and well-being of your pet until he receives the training he deserves. Management tools include collars, leashes and the appropriate use of a crate and baby gates. Plan ahead for success with strong management and supervision around the house when the dog cannot be properly supervised. Provide an outlet for you dog's natural instinct to chew by redirecting this normal canine activity. Get your dog hooked on Kongs and natural hollow bones that can be filled or stuffed. The use of a buster cube filled with kibble can provide hours of mental and physical stimulation. These are great home-alone activities for your pet. Become pro-active by enriching and stimulating the environment in which your pet lives. EDUCATION Owners must take the responsibility for their dogs' needs by increasing exercise, both physical and mental. A well-trained, well-exercised dog is a great companion. Boredom along with unused energy - and no outlet - has to go somewhere, usually in unwanted or destructive behaviors. Recognize that your dog is a social pack animal, with very little social contact, and unemployed with little or nothing to do most of the time. By researching your dog's breed characteristics, you can determine if a particular breed will fit into your lifestyle. Know what your dog was bred to do. Some breeds are more likely to engage in barking, chewing or digging while others may require more socializing or exercise that others. The key is to acknowledge your dog's individual temperament and needs and find an appropriate outlet to channel these normal dog behaviors. Spend quality time with your pet and include him as a part of your family. LEADERSHIP - A 24-hour, seven-days-a-week position. Establish strong leadership, while creating a good relationship based on trust, respect and consistency. Your role is to be a good leader and teacher in order to have influence over your dog's behavior. Understand that dogs' lives are governed by four basic interactions within their environment. These areas have powerful influence. As a leader, you provide these valuable resources. Implementing the following program will effectively communicate your leadership status: 1) Food - a survival instinct. The owner has possession over this powerful resource; 2) Sleeping - who determines control of your dog's sleeping area and where your dog sleeps can have a powerful impact on how your dog sees itself within your family structure; 4) Attention - a powerful tool to change a dog's behavior; 4) Games - control all games of physical strength and possession. TRAINING - Imagine life without rules. Training opens the lines of communication, understanding and mutual respect, while strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Teaching valuable life skills by establishing household rules are critical components in raising and living with your pet. Consistency and positive motivation are the keys to effective training. All family members must observe, teach and enforce the same rules. Use good MANAGEMENT (prevention is better than a cure). EDUCATE yourself, making certain that your dog's needs are met. Become a strong, consistent, fair LEADER. TRAIN your dog using the power of positive motivation. M.E.L.T. is an efficient program that if applied will effectively MELT away problems by implementing changes in one or all four areas. To The Top © 2004 Pawsitive Home School Dog Training This site created by Innovative Connections