subject: Why Your Dog Misbehaves - How to Make Them Listen [print this page] Although dogs are now domesticated, they still have natural instincts just as they did when they lived in the wild. When you know what those natural instincts are, you can use them to 'speak your dog's language' and stop behavior problems fast.
A dog's natural instinct is to form a pack. Before being domesticated, dog's lived in packs. Each pack has an alpha dog a pack leader. The alpha dog is respected by the other dogs in the pack. All the dogs I the pack aim to obey and please the pack leader.
To fix your dog's behavior problems, as well as build a stronger relationship with them, you must become that pack leader. Dogs that misbehave and don't listen do so because they believe they are the alpha dog not you. This isn't because they are bad, dominating type of dogs. It is because you unknowingly have told them in dog language that they are the top dog. It's crucial to establish yourself as the alpha dog, because the alpha dog is the one in charge.
Here is how to communicate to your dog that you are the pack leader: Your dog should always eat after you eat. Never let your dog eat before you do. Why? Because the pack leader always eats first. They also do not share food, so don't give your dog any table scraps ever. It's bad for their health and it's bad for their psyche. Also, eat in a different area as your dog. Don't have their bowl really close to where you eat.
Do not allow your dog to sleep on your bed with you. Your bed must be higher than theirs. This may be a tough one for you, but if you have a dog that is acting out and not listening to you, it's important to do this to fix their behavior. You can't have both.
Order your dog to 'sit' before you give them any food, water, treats, affection, or anything else. The purpose of this is to show your dog that you are their provider of food and water, and you will provide it to them on your terms, rather then when they demand it of you.
When your dog tries to force you to pet them (by putting their head onto your lap or swatting you with their paw), do not give in and pet them. I know it's hard because it seems like they are being affectionate toward you, but that's not the case. This is their way of demanding you give affection to them. If you give in to their demands, you are telling them they're the boss. You need to show your dog you are in charge and you'll give affection when you choose to.
Your dog should not be allowed to walk through doors before you do. You may have to use a leash temporarily to end this, if your dog typically runs ahead of you. You'll need to pull them back and go through the doorway before they do. Your dog's behavior and your relationship with your dog will improve drastically once you have established yourself as the pack leader. Your dog will love you and respect you.
