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Dogs & Leadership Rules
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There is always talk about being the Alpha dog in your pack but not a lot of simple information about how to actually become one.
The idea is really pretty simple in that you need to actually treat your dog like a dog would be treated by, well, a dog. Most of us don't really do that since we tend to think of them as members of our immediate family and we tend to spoil them. We treat them like little furry humans.
Feeling like you might not be in charge? You know you need to be the leader but you aren't sure where to begin. You might have heard or read about other methods; some complicated, some seem downright mean, some seem silly even.
Don't put your dog in a position to have to be the leader, read on. These are really pretty easy and really do work.
Leadership Rules- Leaders eat first. Always try to let them see that you are eating first. Eat a little something or even make believe you are eating, this will go a long way.
- Leaders go through doorways first. This is sometimes a challenge but by making them wait, you are letting them know you are the leader and they are the followers. This one is important not just from a leadership standpoint but is also a rule that can keep everyone safe. Knowing they won't go bounding out of an open door or dragging you while your hands may be full will make exits much easier.
- Leaders stay calm and in control. This one is pretty easy. Your calmness helps keep them calm. They will look to you for guidance and react based on what they sense your emotional state is.
- Leaders set the pace and direction. Leaders decide where the followers go and how fast or slow they get there. With practice, your dog will gain an understanding of how the walks are supposed to go. It will help teach the puller that pulling doesn't get you (the dog, that is) what you want. Walks can be enjoyable but I think most of us start out with our new dog by just hitching up the leash and off we go. They don't really learn how to walk on leash without some training and practice.
- Leaders do not let there personal space be invaded. This one is all about not letting the dog go wherever they please. They should be invited up on your lap or to sit with you quietly on the couch. Don't let them elbow their way in. He shouldn't be poking his nose in your snack to see what you've got and he shouldn't be stretched out on the bed pushing you off.
- Leaders say when play begins and when it ends. It's important to play with your dog and really a lot of fun. You need to decide when to play though, not the dog. When you are playing, you should stop playing just before you think your dog wants to quit. That way he learns playtime is fun time and it ends when the leader says so.
- Leaders do not beg for attention. As a leader, your followers should give you attention when you ask for it...the first time you ask.
- Leaders do not offer "free" treats. This relates to the strict "no free lunch policy." Give all the treats you want but just make them work for it. It helps to enforce you leadership.
- Leaders assume the higher ground (beds, couches, chairs, etc...). The higher ground is a position of authority. Use it! Sharing this space says you're equals and you're less than equal if you give it up. Take the higher ground back.
- Leaders never change their direction or step over the dog. Sometimes it's easy to just walk around or step over but by doing so you are sending a signal that tells the dog that you are just a lowly pack member and not in charge. Make them move, the leader is coming through.
- Leaders assign resting spots for their pack members. The resting spot can be their crate or a nice quiet area that you've created for them. With practice, they will soon learn that this is their assigned spot and they should go there when told. They don't get the bed, that's for you.
The Leadership Rules are meant to help you enforce and begin to enjoy your position as their benevolent and respected leader. Once leadership is defined as being you, you will begin to see a positive change in their behavior.
Then you can make up your own rules!
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