Canines' instinctive allegiance to the "pack" structure has allowed them to survive millions of years. Equally important to their survival has been leadership by a top dog, or "alpha."
Alphas eat first, sleep highest, control interactions and lay first claim to possessions. In doing so, they affirm their authority and further build pack confidence.
Ideally, your dog should perceive his pack ranking as somewhat below your own. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.
Leader of the Pack
Dogs have instinctive leadership needs. Owners who do not clearly assume and demonstrate the leadership role often unwittingly force their dogs to fill the power void and become leaders. And that can spawn behavioural problems.
Explains Steve Duno, pet behaviourist and author of 10 pet-care books, pushy dogs aren't inherently bad; rather, they were inadvertently taught to be dominant. Therefore, they feel responsible for disciplining their "packs" by growling, snapping, snipping or even biting.
Conversely, owners who establish themselves as the alpha have fewer problems with their dogs because their pets want to please. Once you become the alpha, your dog will:
- feel more secure and confident
- become more obedient
- surrender control of the home environment
If you want to establish — or re-establish — your position as leader of the pack, following these principles will help:
| 1. | Leaders Eat First. Since alphas have first choice of food, feed family members before your dog. |
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| 2. | Leaders Control Interactions. Alphas are first to greet strangers. Tether your dog to a doorknob or place him in his crate before you answer the door. When meeting people, make the first contact. |
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| 3. | Leaders Stay Dominant. Forbid displays of dominance. Keep a lead on your dog so you can guide him off whatever he jumps on by saying "No, off." (To avoid provoking aggression, never grab his collar.) Invite your dog to sit on your lap or let him lean against you, rather than letting the dog initiate contact. |
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| 4. | Leaders Go First. Never let your dog forge ahead on walks or precede you through doors. Use a lead to make him wait at a door while you step through. |
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| 5. | Leaders Control Possessions. To teach your dog that you control possessions and that he must earn access to them, pick up his toys from the floor. Make him sit before giving them back. When playtime is over, store toys. |
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| 6. | Leaders Are Confident. If you show indecision, your dog will doubt your authority. |
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| 7. | Leaders Make Subordinates Earn Praise. Dominant dogs get praise without lifting a paw. Make your dog earn your praise by sitting before he puts his head into your lap. This way he responds to you. |
"My big dog, Flav, used to jump on guests," says Monique Mason of Seattle, Washington. After two sessions with Duno, Flav's attitude slowly began to change from pushy to cooperative. "We tethered him first, then trained him to go to a small rug whenever the doorbell rang. He gets a treat, and we get peace of mind."
Remember: Leaders never hurt — they guide. Hitting your dog destroys trust and may lead to injury. For a more attentive and obedient dog, follow the above principles for six weeks.
Basic Training: The One-Two of Obedience Classes
Ideally, begin obedience training when your dog is still a puppy.
| 1. | Enroll your dog in an obedience class. Most classes teach the basic commands: sit, down, stay, come and heel. Once your dog learns these commands, you can communicate more clearly. Most instructors also devote time to correcting problem behaviours. |
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| 2. | Find the right obedience class. Ask your dog-owning friends, your veterinarian, the local humane society or the Humane Society of Canada for class recommendations, or check your phone book for listings of independent trainers. Before enrolling, audit at least one class — without your dog — to see if it will meet your needs. |
