How to Be a Pack Leader for Your Dog Pack

Even the family's children should outrank the dog in pack status.

A dog's instinct is to view those close to it as its pack. For domesticated dogs, their family is their pack, and it must be clear from the beginning that the human is the alpha, or pack leader. A human who is firmly established as the pack leader will have an obedient dog, rather than one that takes advantage. Being a pack leader doesn't mean being mean or pushy; it simply frees the dog to be a dog.

Things You'll Need

• Food
• Treats
• Toys

Instructions

1. 

   Use food to illustrate pack position.

   Eat first, and do not feed the dog from the table. In the wild, the pack leaders always eat first and take the choicest bits. The rest of the pack is not allowed to eat until the leaders are finished, and they give the approval. Make it clear that the dogs will be able to eat only when the family is finished. This will also help curb begging at the table.

2. Make the dog move for you. If the dog is in a choice spot on the couch or in your favorite chair, don't sit somewhere else. Making it move will let it know that you get the best seat in the house by virtue of status.

3. 

   The dog needs to understand that everything comes from you.

   Take the dog's food away while it is eating, and then put it back. This will serve two purposes -- it will help eliminate any food aggression, and it will establish you firmly as the highest-ranking member of the pack who can take away what is given. The same can be done with toys and treats. Be sure to give them back once the dog sits, as you want to be viewed as a benevolent ruler.

4. Give belly rubs. This is a pleasant experience for most dogs that puts them in a subservient position, and they will learn to think of your pack leadership as a good thing. Exposing the belly to a larger and stronger pack member is a sign of respect.

5. 

   Examining paws for injuries and clipping nails is made easier.

   Touch the dog, even if it doesn't like it, and then praise it. Paws and tails in particular can be sensitive areas that not all dogs like having touched, but this will help to teach the dog that you are the boss.

6. Give praise for a job well done, but don't over-reward. The dog should understand that doing good will make you happy and result in good things for him, but he shouldn't grow used to hugs, treats and fussing for every positive action. Often, a "Good job!" and a pat on the head is more than enough praise for following basic commands.

7. 

   Kisses are a way of showing allegiance.

   Allow the dog to lick you. In a wild pack, this is one way that submissive dogs show the pack leader who's in control.

Tips & Warnings

• If the dog must be scolded, let it know you forgive it quickly. Show it that the pack leader needs to be obeyed, and obedience will be rewarded.

• Remember that you're not showing dominance to be cruel. Dogs thrive in a structured environment, and they will be much happier knowing their place than wondering whether they will have to take charge.

References

• For Paws Corgi Rescue: How to be a Good Alpha (Pack Leader); Heidi Dahlin; December 28, 2000
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief & Rescue: Establishing Yourself as Pack Leader; C.A.R.E.S. Companion Animal Resource & Education Society
• Dog Breed Info Center: Why You Need To Be "Top Dog"
• Canine Concepts: How to Become the Pack Leader