- Alpha rolls (rolling a dog onto his back and pinning him to the ground to show him “who’s boss”)
- Grabbing his muzzle and holding it tightly.
- Shaking him by the scruff of the neck.
- Cuffing him under the chin.
- Aversive tools such as choke, prong, or shock collars for training.
When I visit my clients’ homes as a dog trainer, I frequently hear comments like, “They are always so calm when you are here,” or “We need a poster of you or a piece of your clothing so they’ll be like this when you leave!”
I frequently reassure clients that the dog isn’t always so calm and that I do believe they are dealing with behavior issues because the dog doesn’t exhibit those behaviors when I’m around.
These dogs aren’t calm around me because of my attire or some sort of magic. Body language, consistency, and training are the three components, and you can learn them all.
Often, a lack of leadership, trust, or respect is the cause of the behavior issues. The issue is resolved while I’m there when I give the dog direction. My responsibility is typically to teach my clients how to respect their dogs.
Continue reading to learn more about how to establish leadership over a dog, including lots of advice on the following subjects:
Become the Alpha by Acting Like an Alpha
Dogs are cunning creatures. They operate solely on body language. Therefore, in the eyes of your dog, if you don’t exhibit the physical traits of an Alpha, you never will be one. Canines know what to look for in leadership material.
This does not imply that you should try to appear tough by stomping your dog around your house. Simply put, it means you should never yield to your dog.
If they are acting up, correct the behavior. Don’t let them get away with anything you’ve trained to catch them doing. Be an authoritative figure in your home by using the power of your voice.
Additionally, there are a few more modest things you can do to project your authority and behave like an Alpha. It’s sufficient to refrain from walking around your dog. Make your dog move if they are blocking the hallway.
Simply shuffle your feet or make some noise to signal that you are attempting to pass. Dogs will never disobey their Alpha; rather, it is the other way around.
Eye contact can be incredibly powerful, even to dogs. Always maintain direct eye contact when issuing commands. This demonstrates to your dog that you are serious about obeying your commands.
There may be times when your dog starts acting inappropriately. Without even saying a word, you can stop it with eye contact.
Lock eyes with your dog and maintain the cold look until your dog looks away.
Set Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations
Again, for dominant dogs, rules, boundaries, and limitations are crucial because they help them focus their dominance and give them a way to express their confidence other than toward you. There should, at the very least, be guidelines regarding what they can and cannot do inside the home without your consent, how long they must wait before entering or leaving, and when they are allowed to eat.
With dominant dogs, you can go one step further with activities like agility training, which lets them burn off extra energy while navigating the obstacle course on their own.
Be consistent and fair in correcting bad behavior
Let your dog know that your rules can be trusted. If you must correct him, do so immediately after an error or poor behavior. You shouldn’t also treat him poorly the whole day.
When your dog submits by closing his eyes, licking you, or rolling over onto its back, praise him and use positive reinforcement to show your approval.
This consistent approach to dealing with bad behavior should begin when they are puppies and continue into adulthood.
When a dog is still young or has finished learning where to go potty, many pet owners stop training him or her in obedience.
But to stop unwanted behaviors from emerging or your dog from challenging your alpha role, constant maintenance is required.
Another strategy to take control of your dog’s resources is to act as their sole source of food. Food is frequently the catalyst for this, so take advantage of mealtimes.
Dogs should always be calm and obedient when being fed; they should not beg at the dinner table and should only eat after you have done so.
You don’t have to feed your dog in the same spot every day; you can let him eat outside. This puts you in charge of where he eats.
Another way to control resources is to hide away toys. Your dog can receive toys every day or get them when they behave well. To show your dog that you are in control of them, clean them up at night.
FAQ
How do you assert dominance over a puppy?
Additionally, there are a few more modest things you can do to project your authority and behave like an Alpha. It’s sufficient to refrain from walking around your dog. Make your dog move if they are blocking the hallway. Simply shuffle your feet or make some noise to signal that you are attempting to pass.
How do I show my dog I am the Alpha?
Several times a day, request that he move out of your way. If he’s lying down in a hallway, gently shuffling your feet through him will cause him to get up and move. The alpha never walks around his littermates. Be the parent and refuse to let your dog treat you like a sibling.
Should you hold a puppy down to show dominance?
The term “dominance down” refers to the practice of forcibly holding a dog down as a form of discipline. When interacting with dogs, it is inappropriate, ethologically absurd, and wholly ineffective. In a nutshell — don’t do it. Ever.
How do you discipline a puppy?
- Be consistent. …
- Be prompt. …
- Be firm. …
- Use positive reinforcement. …
- Give timeouts. …
- Don’t use physical punishment. …
- Don’t stare down, drag, or hold down your puppy. …
- Don’t shout or scream.