How to Train Dogs to Become Pack Leaders

If you live in a multiple-dog household, you generally do not need to train one of your dogs to be the pack leader. One will likely emerge naturally, and the leader is almost always the oldest female. On the other hand, if your new male puppy decides to be the alpha dog, and the other dogs in the house have no problem with that, let him.

Once the dogs have determined "pecking order" among themselves, it is up to you to gently support your canine pack leader in her role. You, as the ultimate yet benevolent leader, can help your dog be in charge without becoming a bully.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog treats

1. Notice what's important. Just because one dog has emerged as pack leader, it doesn't mean that all resources are equally important to her. For example, she may insist that one end of the couch is exclusively hers (unless you or another human wants it), but couldn't care less if she's the first dog out the back door at potty time.

2. Subtly reinforce authority. Help your canine pack leader keep what is important to her. If your dog is an enthusiastic eater, prepare all the food bowls and give her hers first. Little gestures like this tells the other dogs in the house that you acknowledge your alpha dog's authority and are willing to back it up.

3. Watch for signs of bullying. Just because your alpha dog is pack leader doesn't give her license to bully the other dogs. Make sure she has consequences--like a time-out or removal of a contested toy--for being too pushy with the other dogs.

4. Teach that nothing in life is free. Teach all your dogs, even the alpha, to sit or lie down before they get fed, before you open the door to let them out, before you give them treats or before you initiate play. This subtly and benevolently reinforces your position as ultimate pack leader. You can reward your alpha dog first for complying with your command.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you remain the ultimate boss. If you can verbally remove your dogs from comfortable sleeping spots like your bed without their complaint, they think of you as leader. If they snap, snarl, growl or try to bite when you claim what's yours, consult a good animal behaviorist immediately.
• Don't "alpha roll" (force the dog onto its back and hold it there by the throat) any of your dogs. It's a great way to get bitten, and not an effective way to establish leadership.

References

• more about being the leader of your pack