How to Teach Your Dog That You Are the Pack Leader

Dogs are pack animals. When we bring a dog into our house, the dog will look at everyone in the house as a pack member. We need to teach the dog that we are the pack leader. This can be done by following four simple steps. Learn how by watching the video and reading the article.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your dog
• Toys
• Food bowl
• Leash

1. Teaching your dog that you are the leader is simple if you can control the activities that are important to your dog. Controlling the activities will communicate to your dog in a way that they understand that you are the pack leader. The more your dog understands that you're the pack leader the easier it will be for you and your dog.

2. The four activities that make up your dog's behavior are playing, eating, sleeping and social contact.

3. make sure that when you play games with your dog that you stay in charge. If you play tug-o-war with your dog, make sure you always win the game. If your dog wins the tug game you are communicating that the dog is stronger than you.

4. Control the food. have your dog do a quick sit-stay before each meal. This teaches your dog that you are in charge.

5. Make sure that your dog understands that you control the bed, couch and chairs. If you ask your dog to get off the couch and your dog ignores or growls at you, you need to teach the word "OFF". This can be done by putting a leash on your dog. Instead of grabbing your dog, grab the leash. Once you have the leash, say "Good dog, off." Then gently pull your dog off the couch.

Tips & Warnings

• By being consistent with the steps I've explained you can gently and effectively teach your dog that you are leader of the pack.
• Control the activities; control the dog.
• If your dog shows any signs of aggression please contact a professional trainer or behaviorist that has experience working with aggressive dogs.

Resources

• Free eBook: 101 Ways To Improve Your Dog's Behavior