subject: Building Oneself Being the Leader With The Pet [print this page] Building Oneself Being the Leader With The Pet
In the wild, groups of dogs maintain order by adhering closely to their pack hierarchy. This hierarchy is essentially a structure of rank and status within the group. Each canine defers to those that enjoy a higher status. The entire pack, in turn, defers to the leader.
The pack leader is the dog that is responsible for providing the things needed or desired by the group. This can include protection, food, and various other amenities. In the context of your home, you are the pack leader, which means your pet must learn to submit to your commands out of deference for your rank. The key is establishing yourself as the leader in his eyes. The following tips will help you do so.
Require Compliance For Resources
Whenever your pet wants something from you, require him to sit down and wait patiently. For example, suppose he wants you to feed him. Make him sit down quietly (i.e. no barking) for twenty or thirty seconds. This teaches him that food will be provided to him on your timetable, rather than as a response to his request. Use this same approach when he wants your attention, or wants to go for a walk. Requiring him to wait for you reinforces you as the leader in his eyes.
Lead The Way
Often, dogs will subtly begin to challenge their owners' leadership status by moving ahead of them. This can occur on walks or within their homes. On walks, canines will pull their owners behind them while on leash. In your home, your pet may burst through doorways in front of you, and even get in your way in the process.
It is important to curb this behavior as quickly as possible. Canines tend to assume a higher status for themselves when given the opportunity to do so. On walks, make your pet wait by only allowing him a short tether. In your house, make him wait for you to pass first through doorways. Use a leash, if necessary.
Provide Immediate Feedback
Whenever your canine behaves poorly, give him feedback immediately following the undesired behavior. Dogs are unable to make a connection if too much time passes. For example, if your pet begins to push you while you are walking next to him, immediately tell him to "stop." Revisiting his deed, either to curb the behavior or reinforce yourself as his pack leader, will be ineffective if you do so a few minutes after the event.
Avoid Submitting To His Will
Canines often try to persuade their owners to comply with their wishes. For instance, your dog might approach you with his leash while you are sitting on your couch. Or, he might simply rest his chin on your leg to encourage you to pet him. In both cases, he wants your attention. Giving it to him on his terms, however, may cause him to slowly usurp your role as leader.
When your dog comes over to you to interact, ignore him. If he nuzzles your leg, or rests his head upon you, gently move him aside. Do this without speaking to him, or establishing eye contact. Even a mild reproach will give him what he wants: your attention. If you want to interact with your dog, do so on your terms.
Be Consistent When Enforcing Rules
Your canine needs to know he can rely upon you to be consistent when imposing rules in your household. If you show indecisiveness, or give conflicting signals, his behavior will likewise become erratic. For example, he may comply with your commands when it suits him, and otherwise ignore you. Remain consistent at all times.
Establishing yourself as leader of your household is critical to ensure your dog perceives you as worthy of his respect and deference. Keep in mind, your canine may require subtle reminders of your leadership role throughout his life.
