A Good Dog Starts with You!
I’ve dealt with many people over the years who are frustrated with their dog’s continual misbehavior. However, they often make excuses for specific actions based on their dog’s breed. “Oh, that’s just how (insert breed name here) are.” But that’s not true!
Before your dog is a breed, he is a dog, and all dogs are driven by the same thoughts and instincts. The breed gives your dog his appearance and skills, but his behavior comes down to you. If you cannot step up and become the pack leader in your home, your pup will do it for you.
Here are some ways to train yourself to become the pack leader your furry friend will follow fur-ever.
Always show calm & confident energy. This is the #1 step in establishing your dominance. It doesn’t matter whether you have a pit bull or a teacup poodle. Your energy clearly defines you as the pack leader.
Take responsibility for your pack’s happiness. A frustrated dog is often a naughty dog. When you are not meeting your pack’s needs for exercise or mental stimulation, they’ll revolt by acting out.
Be willing to admit when you’ve lost control—and take action! As humans, we want to treat our dogs as our children. But dogs only think in terms of leaders and followers. When you’ve lost control, your dog can become destructive and even dangerous. That’s why you must actively seek to reclaim and maintain leadership. If you need professional guidance—go get some!
Leave no room for debate. Your interactions with your dog should not be requests—they are commands. Don’t allow your dog to disobey or do things in his own time. This undermines your control every time.
If you want to have the best possible relationship with your furry friend, you must become the pack leader. It takes consistency and responsibility, but you’ll have a loyal pack for life if you do.
