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Learning how to be the leader of the pack is very important when you have a dog. But what does this mean? Simply put, if you are the pack leader, your dog will respect you and follow your lead.
If you are wondering how to be the leader of the pack keep reading. With just some easy adjustments to your dog training routine you can become your dog’s pack leader.
If you take the time to teach your dog appropriate behavior and you are consistent in reinforcing it, your dog will work hard to please you. One key to changing and reinforcing new dog behavior is using positive dog training methods.
Why Do Dog’s Need A Pack Leader?
Dogs are pack animals. They want a leader to tell them what to do and what dog behavior is appropriate. If you don’t step up as leader, your dog, no matter how big or small or cute and fluffy, will take over as leader. And not just of other dogs but of you, your spouse, your kids, the cats, and anything else that moves and breathes. This is not the ideal situation, as you can see from the following example.
Meet Larry, the dog that took the job of pack leader.
A family I worked with, the Smiths, had a dog that ran their house. Larry, a yorkshire terrier, didn’t want the role of the leader but since no human stepped up as the leader he felt that he had to. Larry’s pack consisted of his human dad, mom and their two kids. Being the pack leader was a big job for Larry. He had to keep track of his pack, teaching them the pack rules (which he made up) and enforcing his rules 24 hours a day.
Larry successfully taught his pack to stay away from his food and toys by growling and snapping when they got too close. He taught them not to disturb him if he was napping in the main traffic areas of the house, like the middle of the living room floor. Larry taught his family that certain pieces of furniture were his and that the rest of the pack was not allowed to sit there. Larry, as the pack leader, also decided who was allowed to come in to the house.
The youngest son in the family became Larry’s playmate. Larry would jump on and nip the boy. The parents in the house were only there to care for Larry. If any member of the pack disobeyed these rules, Larry would discipline them by growling, biting, snapping and baring his teeth.
If Larry’s household sounds like what you are experiencing in your family, these positive dog training tips will help you take back your leadership role and become the pack leader.
Once you incorporate these tips in to your dog’s daily life you will see your dog’s behavior change. Each of these tips show your dog that YOU are the pack leader.
How To Be The Leader Of The Pack
You will need to consistently communicate alpha signals to your dog in a compassionate and respectful way. This does not entail being aggressive, overbearing or bullying your dog! It is simply a matter of learning the language that a dog understands and using the correct signals. Mixed signals and inconsistency will confuse your dog, making him think that the pack leader is not effective. Your dog will be stressed and feel that it is encumbered upon him to try to take over as alpha to stabilise the pack. If he does this, it is not because he is being bad but that you have given him the wrong signals.
1. Show me your tummy!
Make it a positive experience for your dog to roll over for that tummy rub. This submissive posture indicates a deferment to your leadership. My dog loves tummy rubs and now offers this behavior on his own.
2. Praise, praise praise!
Give praise for being a good dog. Any dog behavior you like and want to keep, praise it and give a small treat occasionally. This focus on what you want is much more successful than a focus on what you don’t want. No free treats or praise for the dominant dog. If your dog wants attention, have him sit first! Everyone wins and the dog is learning manners at the same time.
3. Get out of the way!
A leader gets respect. For your dog, that means no lying in high traffic areas (hallways, middle of living room or kitchen), no sitting on your feet, and no refusing to move out of the way. Gently scoot your feet in the direction you want to go while using excited tones to get him up and moving.
4. The pack leader eats first!
The pack leader always eats before the other pack members, so you MUST eat your dinner completely and clear the table before giving your dog his bowl of food. He should see you eating and understand clearly that he can only eat once you have completely finished. Then make him sit before placing his bowl down for him and allowing him to eat.
If you have been in the habit of feeding your dog before your dinner or even during, this may take a while for your dog to become accustomed to. Be aware that any fuss he makes while you’re eating is part of his learning process. You are giving him new signals, new information about the pack and you must let him understand this. He may need time to assimilate this new information, so be firm but patient.
5. No More Barging!
You should always lead the way, especially through doorways and narrow passages. NEVER let your dog push past you or in front of you. The pack leader in a dog pack would never allow a subordinate dog to push past or lead the pack. Therefore neither should you. Use a leash if need be but always ensure you enter doors, rooms, gates etc. in front of your dog. Neither should you let your dog run up stairs in front of you. This allows him to run to the top and look down on you, displaying classic dominant behaviour.
The key to this is NOT to punish the wrong behaviour, it is too late to do that. Instead, do not allow him to exhibit alpha behaviour in the first place. Use a leash, close doors, give a short, sharp shout, whatever your dog responds to, but remember to be firm, kind and respectful. You are talking to your dog, not trying to bully him into submission. The key for all these techniques is repetition, consistency and patience.
For a dog, trying to live with everyone “just getting along” does not work. Dogs live in packs with hierarchies, not democracies. Remember, no human leadership means your dog will take over and set the rules. It’s time for you to step into the leader position. If you do, you will notice positive changes in your dog’s behavior right away. You and your dog will begin working as a team.
Be the leader–your dog will love you for it and you’ll be surprised how hard he’ll work to please you.
