You bring your new puppy home, she’s so cute!  She jumps on your lap unexpectedly, nibbles on your fingers and toes for attention and jumps on your guests.  Although you know that you shouldn’t reward such behavior, it’s hard to resist petting your new pal or giving her a treat and rewarding this terribly cute behavior; isn’t it?

What most new pet owners don’t realize is that they are doing their puppy a huge disservice by teaching him to be the Pack Leader.  This can lead to problems as your pup gets older.  A pack can only have one leader...You.

All dogs are born with a pack instinct that helps them determine where they stand in the family.  When a dog enters your home, they are automatically expecting to follow rules and to obey the leader.  It is very important that your puppy learn his rank within your family’s pack immediately.  Dogs that know their place in the social hierarchy are generally content to maintain that position.  They are much more comfortable and secure within their environments.  With that security comes better behavior.

Here are some tips on ways to teach a puppy its place in the pack. These subtle behaviors by you will immediately let the puppy know instinctively that you are the pack leader:

• Establish territory control:
  
  • Never walk around your dog if he is lying in your path.  Nudge him out of the way and have him move for you.  You should also not allow your pets to go through doors before you.

• Limit access to furniture:
  
  • This is your territory.  Being allowed on your bed or couch is a privilege that must be earned by being well-behaved and housetrained.  You can invite your pet on furniture as a treat.
• No free rides:
  • The puppy needs to learn that everything in his world is controlled by you, and anything he receives must be earned.   Ask him to perform simple commands such as sitting before eating and enforcing the “down-stay” command while you clip on his leash.  Remember in the wild, the pack leader always eats first.  “Speak” to your dog in a way that he will automatically understand.

Another way to reinforce your new pals place among humans is by exposing him to as many people and situations as possible.  Teach your puppy right from the start how to behave around children and let him know that he is below them in the hierarchy.

If a dog’s place is not determined from the beginning, he may eventually challenge you for the leadership position.  Remember, dogs are not humans, they act on instinct. In the wild they are “programmed” to seek leadership of the pack when there is a “weak” leader.  A dog without a clear cut leader may become demanding, mis-behaved and possibly aggressive.  It is a bigger challenge to alter the dog’s mindset of leadership once the pup is grown, so asserting your place as the “alpha dog” while the puppy is younger is best.
 
However, if you are reading this and you have a leadership problem with a grown dog, don’t despair. Seek professional help and begin consistently asserting your leadership.  Old dogs can be taught new tricks.  The key is consistency and setting boundaries and sticking to them.

Just like humans, all dogs need limits and have to follow rules.  One of the most important keys will be respect.  Set boundaries, offer rewards, plenty of affection and you will both live a happier, healthier and endlessly fun life together.

About the author:

James Brooks is the Alpha Dog/Pack Leader of Grandpaw’s Interactive K-9 Service.  Grandpaw’s offers behavioral help with puppy training, destructive behavior, mid-day relief and pet sitting.  For more information or to set up an Evaluative Session contact James at 919-255-8322 or visit www.GrandpawsofRaleigh.com