Dog Trainer

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Training Tips......Being Your Dog's Leader

"All the things they cherish are because of you." Once you teach dogs that, they're perfectly happy to do what you want.

Getting started

If your dog is aggressive or dominant, start slowly. A sudden display of alpha behavior to a dog who considers himself the alpha will be seen as a challenge and the dog may choose an aggressive course of action. For instance, if you take the dog's food away, something which an owner needs to be able to do, you could be bitten if the dog does not yet see you as its leader.

Asserting dominance over an alpha dog without understanding more about how an alpha behaves could cause serious consequences, including a very serious dog bite. Do not make the mistake of thinking that a dog won't bite you. Most dog bites are the result of the dog feeling fearful and with enough fear arousal even a mild-mannered dog has the capacity to bite.
Know your dog

Julianne Stovall said: "...The more I learn about training, the more I realize it depends so much on BOTH the dog and the owner as to what will work. Techniques that are almost like magic with one dog are useless or damaging for another. A trick that one person uses naturally and positively can be ineffective, or even destructive, when another person attempts it. The only training technique that is truly universal is learning to read your dog."

Dogs thrive with the security of knowing they have a consistent, dependable leader. However, if you do not provide that leadership then your dog will assume the leader or Alpha position. Your dog is constantly communicating with you and seeking guidance as to whom is in charge. The Alpha behaviors discussed below are cues or communication that signal pack position within your home. If you do not signal that you are in charge, your dog is genetically programmed to fill this void in leadership. The result could be a dog that is stressed by the responsibility of attempting to lead his pack in a human environment that is beyond his mental capabilities. This stress may lead to acting out in negative ways that range from excessive barking to lethal aggression. Dogs are not human. You can severely harm your dog with what is mistakenly viewed as kindness.

Alpha behaviors

Here are some practical suggestions on dog care that will help reinforce your alpha position. Most of these are things all dog owners should do anyway. Much of the following is based on a handout by Terry Ryan (Pet-People Partnership, Washington State University).

Train your dog if you haven't done so already, or have done only a little. We recommend personalized training that recognizes your dog's individual temperament.

Dog should understand that they depend on you, the leader. No free-feeding. Feed once or twice a day and take the food away after 10-15 minutes. It should be very clear that you are the food-giver.

"Nothing in life is free." Treats must be earned. Require at least a sit or a simple trick every time your dog receives a treat.

Leaders eat first. Sit down, eat your breakfast or dinner, and only then give dog its food.

Leaders go first. When going through a door, gate, or other opening, you go first. Have the dog do a sit-wait or down-wait. If the dog doesn't know wait/stay yet, block the entrance with your body to keep the dog from rushing past you.

Leaders control where and when. When you send the dog out and you're not going, have the dog sit and wait; then let the dog go when you say. Don't open the door until he's sitting properly.

Leaders control territory. Is the dog lying in the middle of the hallway and you have to step around him? Is he sitting in your favorite chair and you sit elsewhere instead? Make him move. It's YOUR territory. Nudge dog in hall with your foot (no kicking!) so he moves. Lead him off the chair, then sit there. And, if the dog is really alpha, work on going out of your way to make him move from where he is. Remember to keep it non-confrontational, especially when you are still establishing your pack position. If he starts arguing, save this method for later.

Leaders mean what they say. Avoid giving a command you can't enforce. When you give a command, enforce it. "Sit!" (low firm tone, no begging, squeaking, yelling). Issue no further commands if the dog doesn't obey. Instead, use proper training techniques (e.g., scoop the butt under) to help the dog with the desired behavior — then praise liberally.

Leaders are winners. Don't play any game you can't win. Tug-of-war seems like great fun but every time the dog gets the rope, he is thinking, "I win! I am in charge!" Don't play that game with any dog. Don't rough-house a pushy dog. If you do play games with toys, make sure you, not the dog, determine when the game is over. End the game before the dog is tired of it. Put the toy out of reach then, don't leave it with the dog or on the floor.

If your dog loves to fetch, make your dog bring the ball to the leader, not three ft away so you have to step forward. The dog has to bring the toy to your feet, or to your hand, promptly drop it and back away or drop in your hand when you request it. No bring, no play.

Leaders also end affection. Give your dog lots of love and attention but be attuned to the pushy dog who demands it constantly. It might be an alpha move. If a pushy dog keeps asking for something, time after time (play ball or keep petting me), refuse. Place the toy out of reach and ignore requests. The same goes for pets who demand constant petting. Ignore the requests.

For pushy dogs, no sleeping on your bed. That makes him consider himself an equal, not a subordinate.

NEUTER! All those rushing hormones don't help at all.

Place your hand lightly over the dog's muzzle. Don't grab, just hold for a few seconds.


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