Dogs are social animals, used to living in packs when they are not domesticated. If you notice your furry friend misbehaving, chances are he needs guidance from a pack leader. By assuming this role (ie, "alpha dog"), you will be able to control his behavior, create a climate of security and stability for him, but also relieve stress and anxiety. However, if you notice him starting to get fearful or competitive, you may want to use a less rigid method. As the pack leader, you will be in control of the most important decisions that affect him and will receive respect and loyalty in return.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Implementing the Pack Leader Logic
Step 1. Know if your dog is struggling to gain dominance
If you've noticed that he has the most common behavioral problems - for example, pulling on the leash while walking, being unruly around people and other dogs, barking and whining - he probably lacks the stable figure of a pack leader. If he is absent, the dog feels the need to take on that role and this factor can cause behavioral problems.
If you play this role, you can reduce your puppy's anxiety and nervousness. He will also be less likely to engage in bad behavior, risking hurting someone. Fortunately, it is possible to make changes in the social structure of the family in which they live, regardless of the age of the dog
Step 2. Think like him
To communicate better, realize that dogs tend to experience the present much more than you do. This means that he is much more predisposed to learning new things or to settle in situations he has never experienced before, regardless of the difficulties he may have encountered in the past. If you start thinking about the present, you will understand his psychology better.
Since dogs don't communicate like people, don't settle for showing your affection just by cuddling or feeding them. You can discipline or praise your little dog with just a look. Realize that the eyes and the energy you transmit are capable of expressing multiple messages
Step 3. Set limits
Since the pack leader reserves the best area for rest and sleep, you should check how your dog uses the spaces where there are sofas, chairs and beds. He should look at you before entering the most comfortable areas of the house. If you usually feel free to decide when to use them, it means that there are no strict limits within your pack. Clarify what the rules are, keeping the dog out of these areas. Limits must be set even just by reacting in such a way as to moderate behavior. For example, teach him that he will have his food if he is relaxed and does not jump on you begging to eat.
- From time to time you can allow him to be in your company in spaces where he normally cannot access, if you really want to. However, you don't have to let him sleep in bed with you, or he'll get confused about who's in control of the sleeping area.
- Try to be adamant about the limits you have set. For example, if you never allow him to play in a certain room, provide him with an alternate space where he can have fun and make sure he never plays in restricted areas.
Step 4. Have fun and play with him
Don't forget that play is essential for your dog's mental stability, as well as for your relationship. A key part of your role as a pack leader is to look after him throughout his life by providing him with safe, loving, strong, and loyal guidance. Remember that, in this capacity, you will have to decide when it's time to have fun and when to quit. For its part, the dog will have to seek your permission in order to start playing.
For example, she might give you a quick glance or put her favorite toy on your lap. So, it's up to you to decide if it's the right time to play. If he respects your authority as pack leader, he will understand that he does not have the power to make this decision
Step 5. Stay calm
In nature, the pack leader applies the rules and imposes limits calmly and assertively. He is not bullying or resorting to violence to prove his authority, so you shouldn't behave that way either. While you will surely get discouraged when he is disobedient, never lose patience.
Remember that dogs can sense changes in their owner's attitude and energy better than anyone else. So it's important to stay calm especially in situations where emotionality could take over
Part 2 of 2: Behaving as a pack leader
Step 1. Check your dog's food and water
In nature, the pack leader decides who, when and how much he should eat. You will have to manage all these aspects too, but make sure that you always have fresh water available. If he engages in aggressive behavior or defends his bowl, it's because he doesn't consider you the boss. To discourage this attitude towards food, occasionally remove the bowl while eating and put it back on the ground later. This will show him that you are in control of what he eats and, as a result, he will respect you as the pack leader.
Acquire the mentality that everything you offer your dog belongs to you, from food to bowls, to toys, to the kennel, to the pet carrier. You should move, clean or pick up all of these objects without encountering any kind of resistance from him
Step 2. Show him that you are in charge
One way to prove that you are the pack leader is to walk through doors and gates before him when you enter or leave the house. This way he will understand that you are in command and that he can rely on your guidance.
By having faith in you, he or she will be less likely to suffer from separation anxiety in circumstances where you have to go out without him
Step 3. Establish rules for walking together
Since you are the alpha element, it is up to you to set the rules for enjoying walks with your dog on a leash. Do not allow him to walk in front or to pull and yank. Rather, make him stand next to you or follow you. Therefore, you should take him for a walk with a non-retractable leash, approximately 1.8m long, to be maintained in such a way that he has only enough space to stay by your side, without preceding you.
As a pack leader, you should always walk forward. This will let the dog know that you are in command
Step 4. Train your dog to obey basic commands
Since you are the boss, you are responsible for his education. Teach him the basic commands, including "sit", "stop", "come" and "down". Eventually he will learn to respond quickly and correctly to what you command. To encourage him, use techniques that consolidate positive behaviors, rewarding him with delicious tidbits, lots of love and nice words, such as "good". The commands will show your furry friend that you are in charge of everything, they will help you to keep him straight and teach him how to behave in order to be in effect a member of your "pack".
- You can start training him as a puppy, when he is about 1-2 months old. However, adult and older dogs can also learn new tricks.
- If positive reinforcement training techniques don't work, try another method that doesn't involve strict adherence to discipline during training.
Step 5. Try to keep it moving
It is the pack leader's job to make sure that every member is active and healthy so that the whole pack can thrive. Walk your dog for 20-30 minutes, a couple of times a day. In this way he will be able to keep himself mentally and physically healthy.
If he does not exercise, he can become restless and bored and engage in unwanted behaviors, such as chewing or barking
Step 6. Be consistent
As a pack leader, you need to be consistent and clear with the rules you set. If you happen to break them every now and then, you risk confusing him and giving him the idea that you are unreliable. Your goal is to always show yourself strong and loyal to his eyes and prove to him that you are the best and most serious guide he can have. Regularity and consistency are the best ways for your dog to be obedient.
For example, if one day you scold him for begging for food when you are at the table and the next day you give him leftovers from the dish, you will not be clear and consistent with the rules established within the pack. Your attitude may raise some doubts in his mind as to whether you may not be driving that strong
Step 7. React to wrong behaviors
He'll probably throw a tantrum sometimes, so since you're the pack leader, you'll have to scold him. To do this, deal with the situation right away, without waiting even a minute. Calmly and firmly in your voice, give him a basic command. Your goal is to reassert your authority and stop bad behavior.
For example, if he jumps on people, calmly and firmly say "sit down". If he continues to misbehave, push him away by diverting all your attention from him
Advice
- If your dog's behavior does not improve once you feel imposed as a pack leader, try to treat him like everyone else in the family. It might respond better to this approach.
- Don't yell, don't yell, and never hit your dog. He won't learn with punishments. You just risk confusing him and damaging your relationship.
