How to Train a Dominant Puppy

Turn your dominant puppy into a friendly puppy.

Puppies are young and excited about the world around them. A pack is led by one dominant leader. The pack instinct is carried over to puppies we have as pets. It is only natural for your puppy to try to establish dominance early on in life. Setting boundaries and training a dominant puppy will enable you and the puppy to enjoy better quality time together as the puppy becomes an established canine member of your family.

Things You'll Need

• Refrigerator magnet Puppy toys

Instructions

1. Write a list of dominant puppy behaviors that are undesirable for your family situation. Dominant puppy behaviors can include nipping, loud barking, jumping or climbing on people, and running room to room. Observe the dominant puppy for several days. Place a tally mark by each undesirable behavior your puppy displays.

2. Write a list of dog rules the puppy should follow, and post on your refrigerator. Use the list from step 1 to make the rules. Posting on the refrigerator will ensure family members provide consistency in puppy behavior expectations.

3. Establish dominance with the puppy prior to trying to enforce the rules (from step 2). Establishing dominance will typically take about a week when followed consistently. To establish dominance: Make frequent eye contact. Lower the pitch of your voice. Enter and exit rooms before the puppy. Remove puppy from areas that are specifically yours (such as your seat on the couch or the dining room table). Win at puppy playtime games, such as tug of war.

4. Select one of the rules to begin training. Establish a command for the rule. For example, the puppy is not allowed to chew on human items for the rule. The command would be the word 'mine.' When the puppy violates the rule, give the command in a low-pitched voice with eye contact. When appropriate, substitute a positive behavior. You can give the pet a puppy toy when you take away your prized shoe and say the word 'mine' in low-pitched voice.

5. Repeat step 4 until you have completed the list of rules. Train one rule at a time until the puppy masters it. Most puppies learn new rules in just a few days if worked with frequently.

Tips & Warnings

• Offer replacement behavior instead of dog treats when reinforcing puppy rules. You can place the dog in another area and offer praise or give an appropriate toy and offer praise. Dog treats will encourage the unwanted dominant behavior.

• Never use a crate for time-out or punishment for your dog. Never yell at your puppy. Never strike your puppy.

References

• Dog Training Tips