How to show your dog you are the alpha?
Jammie Ankunding
2025-07-13 08:28:03
Count answers
: 10
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.
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.
Warren Lebsack
2025-07-13 04:10:18
Count answers
: 8
It is an accepted fact that dogs are basically pack animals, and within the pack mentality there is a natural/inherent need for a clearly-defined leader, or the alpha dog. In a dog-owner relationship, there is an expectation that the owner will assume that role as pack leader. 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. Always take the lead – go through all doors, corridors, gates, etc. in front of the dog. Positive reinforcement – lavish praise when dog responds appropriately to its training. Asserting oneself in the position of pack leader can be done independent of the dog’s age or breed.
Read also
- How do you discipline a dog while training?
- How do you show respect to a dog?
- What is the code of ethics for dog training?
- How do you know if a dog doesn't respect you?
- Which dog is most obedient?
- Should you play rough with a puppy?
- What is respect training for dogs?
- What is the code of conduct for training?