As pack animals, dogs have developed ways to determine who is the alpha dog, the leader of their packs. You have probably seen many examples of pack behavior watching TV.The pack’s have ways of teaching the new members just where they belong in the order, and this keeps things on an even keel, and reduces problems among the pack members.
Each pack must have an alpha dog. After your puppy or dog moves in with you, your home is now their “den” and your family is now their new “pack”. So, it becomes up to you to assume the role of pack leader-the Alpha dog-and teach your dog the rules and guidelines he must follow to get along with his new “pack”. As the alpha dog you will teach you dog his place within the family, to be sure he respects all of you as superior to him.
It is easier to begin teaching a new puppy that you are the pack leader, than an older dog, there is definitely no reason you can’t teach an older dog that you are the one in charge. You can establish your alpha dog status through some basic obedience training steps.
Becoming the Alpha dog doesn’t mean you will need to act threateningly or intimidating to your dog. Being the alpha dog is more a matter of communicating the right attitude to your dog. You don’t want to use hitting or yelling at your dog to demonstrate that you are in charge. Using negative training techniques just ends up destroying the bond between you and your dog. Earn his respect and trust with positive training, always being fair and consistent, and this will put you in the alpha position.
The best way for you to become the Alpha dog is by concentrating on really doing a good job obedience training your dog. During the course of the day, repeat some of the basic training exercise (sit, stay, etc) each time you interact with your dog. through the consistent application of the training you dog will recognize as you being in charge-the alpha dog. Try these useful positive training techniques that help you become the alpha dog, without any need to ever act unfriendly towards your dog.
- Tell your dog to sit down and make him wait a little bit in that position, perhaps 30 seconds, before giving him his dinner bowl. Controlling his food is a pretty elemental way of demonstrating leadership. So, only after he has waited a short time, you should give him his food as a reward for behaving as told. Remember to do this each time he is fed-this will consistently remind him of his place, and help him to develop good manners.
- Another good idea is to make your dog sit and wait at the door every time he wants to go outside until he is invited out by you. This way you are reminding him of your alpha status, and teaching him to listen to what you want him to do.
- A similar exercise can be done when you are on a walk with your dog and want to cross the street. Bring your dog to the curb of the street, but make him take a seat and wait for your command to move. This training serves the dual purpose of teaching your dog not to run into the street, but also reinforces your alpha status.
If you are staying consistent and fair with your training, using positive training techniques, it shouldn’t take too long to gain your dog’s respect confidence and trust and be seen as the pack leader-the alpha dog.
For more reading about becoming the Alpha dog and training your dog using positive training methods, please click here to visit http://www.BehaveDoggy.com.
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