PET ARTICLES BLOG

As pack animals, dogs have developed ways to determine who is the alpha dog, the leader of their packs. You have probably seen many examples of pack behavior watching TV.The pack's have ways of teaching the new members just where they belong in the order, and this keeps things on an even keel, and reduces problems among the pack members.

Each pack must have an alpha dog. You and your family become your dog's new pack, and your home their new den, when you adopt your new pet. So, it becomes up to you to assume the role of pack leader-the Alpha dog-and teach your dog the rules and guidelines he must follow to get along with his new "pack". You must also make sure your dog understands he is below the other family members in the family hierarchy, so that he learns never to be aggressive to you or your family.

Puppies are easier to teach to become submissive, but you certainly can teach your older dog that you are indeed the alpha dog, not him. Simply utilize the right training techniques on a regular and consistent basis and you will be able to earn his respect and gain his trust and confidence and become acknowledged as the Alpha dog.

It isn't necessary to be aggressive to become the alpha dog. Being the alpha leader is more a matter of attitude and confidence that you show your dog. You don't want to use hitting or yelling at your dog to demonstrate that you are in charge. Those types of negative actions will confuse your dog and hurt your attempts to establish the trust and confidence you need to get your dog to listen to you. Earn his respect and trust with positive training, always being fair and consistent, and this will put you in the alpha position.

If you take the time to do a good job with your dog's obedience training, you should be able to become the alpha dog. By repeating a few of the basic obedience exercises, such as sit, stay, etc., many times a day, your dog will learn he must listen to you-the alpha leader, if he wants something-even if its just your attention and praise. Due to your consistent and persistent training your dog will look to you for guidance and give you the deserved alpha status. Just use the following advice to teach your dog that he needs to listen to you, and make it clear to him that you as the alpha leader.

• Tell your dog to sit down and make him wait a little bit in that position, perhaps 30 seconds, before giving him his dinner bowl. If he sees you are in control of his food, he has to acknowledge your superior position in the pack. So, only after he has waited a short time, you should give him his food as a reward for behaving as told. Reinforce his good behavior each time your dog is fed, to really drive home the point that he must wait for you-the boss- to let him eat.
• Another good idea is to make your dog sit and wait at the door every time he wants to go outside until he is invited out by you. This way you are reminding him of your alpha status, and teaching him to listen to what you want him to do.
• You should also do this same exercise every time you take your dog for a walk and need to cross the street. Bring your dog to the curb of the street, but make him take a seat and wait for your command to move. This training serves the dual purpose of teaching your dog not to run into the street, but also reinforces your alpha status.

If you make sure to obedience train your dog using positive reinforcement training on a consistent daily basis, it shouldn't be hard to earn your dog's trust and respect as the alpha leader of your pack.

For more reading about becoming the Alpha dog and training your dog using positive training methods, please click here to visit http://www.BehaveDoggy.com.

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