How to become the pack leader in 12 easy steps:

1. Obedience train on a regular basis. This teaches your dog in a positive manner that you are in control.

2. Food treats are worked for, i.e. obey a command such as sit or down. Same for feeding times. Do not free-feed. Your dog is required to obey a command and then 'released' to eat. Food is left out for 20 minutes. Anything not eaten in 20 minutes is disposed of. (this of course is assuming we are dealing with kibble)

3. Your dog is petted for only five seconds at a time, and only after obeying a command. You will not mindlessly stroke him for minutes on end.

4. When your dog nudges your arm to be petted, he is given a command to obey before the dog is petted, and then only for five seconds.

5. At the end of the 5 seconds, you will say "no more" or "enough", fold up your arms and ignore the dog. You never resume petting until after a lapse of 10 minutes and only by following conditions in #3 and #4 above.

6. Your dog is not permitted to precede you through doorways or up/down stairs. You will use the door to stop his rushing through, leash train on stairs.

7. Your dog is given only one toy to play with freely. All other toys are yours and are played with when you deliver the toy to him, and it/they is/are taken up when you decide play is over.

8. The only games you play with your dog is "fetch" or "find it". You may also play tug-o-war, but only strictly by the rules. No chase, or wrestling games. Physical games encourage your dog to pit his physical strength against yours, growling, and usually end with you getting tired of the game first. This teaches your dog to persevere until he "wins". Fetch or Find It has your dog "working" for you. Another game that works is "Take it To ..." where the dog takes an object from one person and delivers it to the next. Praise is the ultimate reward. *

9. The long down (30 minute down-stay) is integral. Practice five times per week. Ideally during family mealtimes.

10. Your dog is required to stand, sit or lay still (settle) during grooming.

11. At any time your dog is in your direct line of travel while you are working (vacuuming, cleaning, getting something from a cabinet etc.), your dog is made to "move". You do not work around your dog. As the pack leader, other pack members must get out of your way.

12. Neuter your dog.

see also:

being a good leader

the alpha factor

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