How to Avoid the Third Biggest Dog Training Mistake: Not Teaching That You are the Leader

One of the easiest ways to have a well-behaved dog is to avoid common training mistakes. When you know what the mistakes are you'll be able to stay on track with your training and your dog will be well mannered and obedient. In this article I will focus on the third biggest training mistake I see: not teaching your dog that you are the leader. You can teach your dog that you are the leader by controlling the activities that are important to your dog. There are four primary activities that make up a dog's behavior: playing, eating, sleeping and social contact. When you control these activities, you'll be able to control your dog.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash
• Collar
• Treats

1. Control your dog's play by always stopping and having your dog perform a simple command before continuing the game. Playing is very important to most dogs; they love chasing games, tug and a variety of other activities. You need to control the game or your dog will think that he is higher in the pack than you.

2. Use mealtime to teach your dog that you are the leader. Have your dog do a short sit/stay for each meal. Doing this will communicate to your dog that you are in charge.

3. Give your dog the command "Off" if you walk into the room and your dog is on the couch. If your dog does not respond to you or growls, don't let your dog sleep there anymore. Your dog can sleep anywhere as long as he is not defending the area.

4. Spend time handling your dog. Your dog should allow you to handle her paws, ears, tail and other body parts. If this is not the case, spend some time teaching your dog to allow you to do this. It is very important that your dog allows you to handle her at anytime.

Tips & Warnings

• Start training young.
• Do the leadership exercises with your family.
• Don't use force to teach leadership.

Resources

• FREE Dog Training Videos To Help You Train Your Dog

[littlezelma]

on 8/7/2009 Great tips! Got any on how to break a dog from chasing cars? 5* & recommend. Will be watching your articles closely. Good info.

[johnrapp]

on 7/31/2009 these are some sweet dog training tips.