Dog Training Guide - How To Become A Good Pack Leader
Becoming a pack leader is an unexpected result of having a dog in your home.You were looking for a best friend but your dog needs a strong leader - that’s you.The problem is that activities associated with the ‘leadership’ function are completely at odds with those associated with the ‘companion’ function. So if you are going to have a successful relationship with your dog you need to put the ‘companion’ role in the back seat and take up your responsibilities as a leader. If you don’t your dog will become insecure and attempt to assume the leadership role himself.Unwanted and undesirable behaviours will be the result of this.
To become an effective leader you have to view things from your dog’s point of view. To be an effective leader there are three principles that every dog owner should follow. This dog training guide outlines three principles that you should always follow.
1 Manage your Dog’s Time
Make an agenda and stay with it. Dogs love a routine. Use a crate regularly to a predetermined plan. The crate is the safest, most effective form of confinement. Your dog feels secure and safe there and will look forward to going there. You should socialise your puppy to it immediately and continue to use it throughout his life according to the needs of his development stages.
It is your job to provide consistency in rules and structure and set and maintain boundaries.As your dog proves himself a good leader expands his boundariesof responsibility. He is also not worried about removing liberties or tightening boundaries if disrespectful behaviours return.
2 Direct Activities
You should have an activity plan that goes beyond ’sit still and be quiet’ while your dog is outside his crate. Actively practice obedience commands so that he knows how to behave in your home.The brightest star in your dog’s universe is praise, it is what his world is all about. Practising obedience commands gives you the opportunity to offer your dog that praise and should be part of all dog training regimes.
3 Be Consistent
If you are not consistent you will confuse and irritate your dog.To get a certain action or behaviour, always use the same words in thwe same sequence. Similarly, every person in your home must follow the same pattern. We all have bad stressful days so make sure that you do not take the stress out on your dog. Stressful outbursts from you will result in stressful behaviours from your dog. Leaders need to remain in control of their emotions and must not behave in an erratic manner.
So that’s all there is to it - If you are ready to become pack leader and do everything that it entails, you will discover that your dog becomes a wonderful companion which is what you wanted in the first place isn’t it.
Go to my dog training guide where you will find more information on all aspects of dog training.
