How do I show my dog I'm the alpha?

Real leadership looks like: Showing and teaching. Use lure-shaping to teach your dog to lie down on cue, rather than pushing on her shoulders or pulling down on her collar. Or “capture” the down by “marking” it with the click of a clicker or a verbal marker, such as the word “Yes!” and giving her a treat whenever she lies down on her own, until she understands this is a great way to win more rewards and starts offering the “down” more frequently. Then just add your cue. Understanding. Recognize that when your dog doesn’t do something you ask her to do, it’s because something is interfering with her ability to do so – she may be stressed, distracted, in pain, or simply hasn’t learned the behavior as well as you thought. Empathizing. Comfort your dog when she is stressed, hurting, or confused instead of insisting that she perform. Forgiving. If your dog did something that upset you, whether she soiled your carpet or snapped at you when you picked up a shoe she had snagged, don’t hold it against her. Our dogs are doing their best to make sense of a human world that often makes no sense to them. Do your dog a life-enhancing favor and eschew the use of force and intimidation in favor of cooperation and trust. In the end, your role as a benevolent leader rather than an alpha dictator will make life better for both of you.

Gus taught us how to groom our dogs to view us as Alpha's and not just the one that pampers them with food, treats & toys and pet them for good behavior. Had a great day with Dog Training, thanks to Fur Responders - Scott & Nancy Hoehn. Gus Navarro of K9 Concepts was the trainer and within two hours, had my dog trained to the point it was a joy to take him for an end of the day walk as a pack Leader & not a master. I was very impressed by the event Fur Responders put together.

Establishing oneself as a pack leader can be done independent of the dog’s age or breed, as this is instinctual for dogs. It is typically more effective if dog owners use an approach that combines collaboration with assertiveness when establishing their position as a pack leader. Enroll the dog in professional training classes – to teach basic obedience commands. Set boundaries inside the home – limit dog’s access to certain rooms, furniture, etc. Control amounts of food/water – establish what, when, how much dog can consume. Always take the lead – go through all doors, corridors, gates, etc. in front of the dog. Teach dog to walk calmly on a leash by owner’s side – no leading, pulling, or lunging. Positive reinforcement – lavish praise when dog responds appropriately to its training. Consistency – dogs learn by repetition, all family members must use same methods. Asserting oneself in the position of pack leader can be done through the expertise of the dog training professionals.