Are you struggling with the lack of control and authority you have over your dog? By nature, dogs are highly social animals that when around other dogs tend to form packs. Each dog pack typically has a designated leader – commonly known as a pack leader, alpha dog, or alpha male. This leader has a higher level of authority than other dogs in the pack and can often dictate what the dynamic of the group.
This behavior will naturally occur within households as well. Most people believe that in order for a dog pack to form that there must be multiple dogs, when in fact, this is not the case. Dogs can form these relationships with their owners and once made, they are difficult to alter. When there doesn’t seem to be a dependable leader in the pack (family), your dog will attempt to become the pack leader. Dogs need a strong leading figure because they operate on a social structure of rank and if you lead, they will follow. To try to combat your dog from becoming the alpha male, here are 5 steps to becoming a pack leader in your home.
Be Calm Yet Assertive
When people think of leadership, especially with dogs, they often assume that it must be a very assertive, strong approach. But, when it comes to dogs, leadership is more about demonstrating your dominance and authority silently. When you project nervous, emotional, or frustrated energy, dogs will pick up on it and slowly chip away at your leadership. You must be cool, calm, and collected when dealing with your dog, particularly when training it. Projecting confidence is recognized by dogs and can have a substantial effect on your power dynamics with them.
Set Your Boundaries
Dogs are naturally territorial, as can be seen when dogs tend to pee over other dogs pee or are protective over their toys. In order to become the pack leader, you must show your dog that you are in charge of the area you live and train in (i.e. house, yard, neighborhood, etc.). To do so, you must set strong boundaries that are consistent, so that the dog knows what behaviors are appropriate and which aren’t.
Make Sure Your Dog Earns Their Rewards
A common problem with many dog owners is how easily they give into their dog’s wants and desires because of how cute they are. Trust me, I get it. It’s almost impossible not to fall for puppy dog eyes, but in order to have a well-trained dog, you must limit this behavior. Your dog needs to learn that rewards are not something they can just get, but are something that they earn. So, instead of giving your dog treats whenever they look cute, only use treats when you are rewarding them for their good behavior and obedience. One of the easiest ways to train a dog is to use treats as bait, so if they start to associate treats with everything, they no longer will think they need to carry out their trained behaviors.
Control Your Dog When it is Time for a Walk
Dogs love going on walks, which means that when they know they are about to go on one, they typically get very excited and rowdy. One of the worst behaviors your dog can exhibit is jumping up and down, scratching at the door, and barking when you are about to take them on a walk. Instead, they should be waiting by the door, sitting, and ready to go on their walk calmly. So, when training them, you must focus on their walk behavior as well. To assert authority over them, the owner should always walk out of the door first, with the dog following behind. In addition, when on a walk, dogs should be by close to you, not leading or pulling you, and especially not barking at other dogs they see.
Train Them Correctly
One of the biggest problems people face with their dogs is carrying out commands. In order to successfully become a pack leader, you must use repetition and must be able to sustain it. Many owners will spend a couple of days trying to train their dogs and think that it was enough. But, most dogs need to have continual training and a constant authority figure in order for them to be well trained and obedient.
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