How To Be A Pack Leader

A dog that bites at you or walks away when you scold him, or when you try to get him to do something he does not want to do does not respect your place as his "alpha dog," or leader of his family or pack. Quite the opposite has taken place- the dog is the alpha, not you!

Dogs are pack animals. Their pack family has a very definite pecking order. The leader of this pack gets the best food, place to sleep, etc. If any member of the pack forgets his place, the leader is quick to bite to remind this one that HE is the leader, not the subordinate. The leader does not have anyone to answer to, unlike those lower in the pecking order.

When a dog is part of a human family, the humans become members of his pack. If the dog does not have a firm, consistent human leader, he will assume the role of alpha dog. While this may seem good in some ways (the dog is extremely protective, affectionate and intelligent), it is not good, because when someone breaks the dog's rules, the dog will turn vicious.

How can you avoid this type of problem, and be the leader of your pack, even if you have never done this before?

Be sure to spay/neuter. The hormones in an unaltered dog do NOT help him or her become submissive! They have quite the opposite affect.

Remember that dogs read body language. If you are insecure, angry, sad, your dog knows this without you saying a word. Constantly remember, you ARE the leader! Be confident. Be gentle yet firm. Omit an air of authority. Stand straight, and use a strong voice.

Never ask your dog to do something- command him to do it. As leader, you are entitled to this. Your dog will respect that.

Walk beside or in front of your dog. If you both are going through a door, you go first. Always.

Before rewarding your dog, get him to do a task. For example, before letting him outside to potty, command him to sit and stay, and when he does this, tell him good boy, then allow him to go outside. Before allowing him to eat, command him to sit. Once this is done, tell him good boy, and then allow him to eat.

Remember, being the alpha is serious business! A biting dog is a dangerous dog! New laws are in place for "dangerous dogs," and many of these dogs are euthanized. Remember this if being the alpha seems unfair or cruel to you. Isn't it better to take charge than risk your dog being taken away or cruelly euthanized?