One of the first things you need to do when you get a new puppy or dog is to establish a strong sense of leadership. Your pup needs to know who’s boss—if they don’t, they could run wild and become less obedient, making them difficult to train and manage. Establishing a solid sense of leadership also helps secure your lifelong bond with your pet and helps deepen that dog and owner relationship.
Below I’ve compiled a list of six ways to help establish leadership with your dog! Remember to have patience and to stay consistent.
1. Do your research about what dog breed suits you and your lifestyle best.
All dog breeds are different—and even though you may love a particular dog breed, they might not be the best fit for your lifestyle. For instance, are you really active and value daily exercise? Then you probably don’t want to get a couch potato of a dog; you’ll likely want a more active breed, like a hunting or herding dog breed. Are you a first-time dog owner? Some dog breeds are more suited toward first-time dog owners, which is definitely something to consider. However, don’t just do research on dog breeds, because every individual dog is different! Before bringing your new pup home, assess the dog’s individual energy level and make sure to ask any questions you may have to the breeder or adoption center. Getting a dog is a big commitment, so you want to make sure that you make the right decision!
2. Get your entire family involved in the process of getting a new pup.
Make sure you discuss what each family member’s responsibilities are before your new dog arrives. This is super important to ensure that there is no confusion and that things run smoothly when you bring your pup home.
3. Always walk out the door ahead of your dog when leaving the house.
This one may sound silly, but it’s actually really important and is a simple way you can help establish leadership. When you leave the house ahead of your dog, your dog will actually begin to understand in its head that you are the leader, not them.
4. Set aside time daily to provide mental exercise for your pup by maintaining rules and setting boundaries and limitations.
Spend a few minutes each day working on training your dog. As you train your dog and teach new commands, make sure to reward good behavior with treats and lots of affection!
5. Create a schedule that includes a daily 30-45 minute power walk.
It can help to make this walk around the same time every day to establish a routine for your dog. Just like humans, dogs like routine, too! Walking your dog every day is also super important for your dog’s mental and physical health.
6. When you walk your dog, make sure your dog is not walking in front of you.
This is a common mistake many dog owners make! Instead of having your dog in front of you leading the way, keep your dog beside you or even behind you to continue to demonstrate that you are the leader of the pack. This may seem like a small thing, but it makes a difference!
I hope that these tips and tricks help you establish a strong leadership role when your new dog comes home! Remember to share these tips with all members of your family and to prepare well before your dog arrives. Also remember to have patience and to show your dog lots of affection when they have good behavior! Good luck!
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