How To Be A Pack Leader
If your dog is running off then it is because he thinks he is in charge and making decisions. If he is pulling his leash, he believes he's in charge. If he's taking food out of your hand or growling, he thinks he's in charge. If he is acting up every time you leave and return home, then it's because he thinks he's pack leader(and he's pissed because he thinks you're supposed to be his pack and this is the rule to keep in mind: pack leaders can separate from the pack, the pack NEVER separates from the leader, which is why he's got anxiety ? He never gave you permission to leave!)
What you need to know is that the best pack leaders are calm. No screaming, no shouting, no hurting and no smacking. Just firm and fair.
The best type of dog training is when you are taught to actually win your dog's mind in a calm and gentle way. This way the dog accepts you as the pack leader through choice, not fear.
There is no need for fear or aggression in dog training when you understand your dog's mind. You can be sure that your dog does not see you as the pack leader if you are struggling.
You assert your dominance through food, through reward, and through affirmative training where through training and reward your dog bonds with you. Your dogs need to learn not to fear your power but to know that all good things come from you alone. They will naturally develop a pecking order between themselves but you don't need to be the biggest, baddest dog to have them be well behaved and happy dogs.
You can start working on it by:
- Going on longer walks (expels excess pent up mental energy)
- Working on basic commands daily (expels excess pent up mental energy)
- Feeding your dog after you eat (he waits for you automatically now-again pack leaders eat first)
- Sometimes you make him wait to reiterate that he goes by your rules. (You entering door first while he sits, same with stairs)
If we learn how our dogs see the world we can adjust our behavior to communicate clearly to them. A way that the dog understands. We need to give our dog the right message. There is no need for fear or aggression in dog training when you understand your dog's mind. You can be sure that your dog sees you as the pack leader if you are confident! :)
