As a dog trainer I firmly believe that all dog owners should be the leader of the pack. I put together this little article to give to my clients when I go and work with them and their dogs and I always suggest that they print it out and put it on the fridge so they can refer back to it time and time again. If you would like me to email you a copy so you can do the same please let me know.
LEADER OF THE PACK FACTS
Some hot tips on the road to a happy dog-and-owner leadership relationship
NO DOGS ALLOWED
Don’t let your dog on the furniture with you. No couches, no beds, no loveseats. “All four paws on
the floor, all the time” By letting dogs share furniture with you, “you’re telling them they’re equal
to you in the pack” In their mind, they’re confused! This doesn’t say that dogs are never allowed on
the furniture, but they must never be up there uninvited and must always vacate when told to do so
or issued the off command.
NO PULLING
When out on walks, your dog must not pull you down the road. Instead, practicing the heel
command and helping your dog learn how to walk nicely by your side is important.
ME FIRST
Don’t let your dog charge out the door in front of you. As leader, you walk through first. ALWAYS!
ME FIRST, AGAIN
Leaders eat first, it is recommended that allowing your dog to see you eat, then feed him for about
20 minutes before the bowl, even if empty, is picked up and removed. “This puts you in charge of
the dog’s biggest resource FOOD
NO, YOU MOVE
Don’t step over a sleeping or lounging dog blocking a doorway or hallway. Gently yet firmly make
him move (perhaps with a shuffling of your feet) so you can pass.
SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Use your voice to summon respect. Don’t yell, but don’t issue commands in a singsong, high pitched
tone, either. In other words, no baby talk, and no bully speak. Be firm and confident when you
speak to your dog. Don’t ask him to obey —tell him! Be generous with praise, but don’t go so
overboard you ramp your dog into a hyper state and make him too excited to listen to you.
STAND TALL
Use body language — head held high, shoulders back, standing up straight — to convey your
message. Don’t crouch down to the dog’s level while giving commands.
USE A CRATE
Crate train your dog. Aside from helping with housetraining and safety issues a crate or kennel gives
him a den-like environment of his own to sleep or chill out.
All dogs will test you in your quest for leadership.
They will do subtle, almost so much, you don’t even notice it until it’s too late.
Example: They may sit a few inches in front of you instead of right by your side,
or they’ll put their foot on top of yours while doing this. These are all dominance
things, It’s all these subtle little things you watch for. These are the kind of things
you have to get right on top of.
Remember You are in charge!
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