Here are some quick and simple ways to start establishing your leadership position today:
Have your dog always "Sit" for treats.
Do not let your dog demand or nudge you for petting. Have them "Sit" first before you pet them.
Always, eat something before your dog - keeping in mind that the leader always eats first. No free feeding. Feed them on a schedule to impress that food comes from you as the leader. Make them sit and wait for food while you are preparing it and release them after you have put their bowl down.
Never tip-toe or walk around your dog if laying in your way. Teach them to move first, then continue on your way.
Always go in and out of doors first. Make your dog wait at the door until you exit then release your dog to foll.ow.
Dogs should only be allowed on furniture or bed by invitation only. If you have an especially dominant dog do not let them on your furniture or bed at all.
Master your down-stay. The easiest way to establish your leadership role is to get your dog to do a consistent down (whether you have a treat or not). Work on this exercise once a day.
Enforce a no-pull rule while out on walks. As the leader you should never be following your dog. Walking alongside is fine but never behind.
Increase your dog's daily exercise. In order to have a confident, calm and relaxed dog they should get at least a 30 minute walk each day. Just because you may have a fenced yard doesn't mean they shouldn't also be given a walk. Dogs love to explore their environments and the added fresh air and exercise can calm a "wild" dog and make them a better companion to have in the house.
Stop yelling or your dog will always wait for you to do that. The best leaders never raise their voice to get things done. Use a low toned voice and change your tonality, not your volume. Stay away from words "bad," "no" and your dog's name. Dogs will desensitize themselves to these words if that is all you are using and they will mean nothing to them. Instead, teach your dog some commands and start using those commands your dog understands for a happier household.
INSTRUCTIONS: Click the below Microsoft Word icon to open the "Paws to Consider" document. Once the form is opened, click file from your browser, and then choose print.
