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Training Tips: You are the Big Dog !

My goal is to replace a rather complex concept like pack structure with an easy routine that helps ensure pack leadership.

If you are interested in learning more about pack structure there are plenty of online book and pet stores that can help you. The pack leader is the big dog.

The big dog is the dog that all the other dogs want to be. Pack leaders are; strong but never mean, tough but never unfair, gentle but always in charge.

It is all about respect.

If you are the pack leader the other dog or dogs in the pack will respect you. You are always in control and never startled.

Here are a few ways that YOU can be the pack leader:

1) Food and Water Control- You tell your dog when to eat and drink. The pack leader will eat their dinner first, but never let the other dogs starve. Make your dog sit and wait before they eat their food. Breeds with high food drive will be harder to control at first. Be firm, but never hit or yell at your dog. Say “NO” in a firm voice. They will get the hang of it, be patient- a general rule of thumb: the younger the puppy the longer it will take to grasp. When your dog eats before you, the pack leader, he/she is gaining an edge on you.

2) Toys- Use toys as both play and alpha training technique. You are in charge of the toys. The Extreme Goody Toys by Kong Bonetoys belong to the pack leader, he will share them, but only when he wants to. Whether it is a 15 pound Poodle or a 120 pound pit bull- if you play tug of war, the dog must always release on command. The more excited the handler, the more drive and fun your dog will have. Giving animals toys to play with will keep them busy.

3) You walk Out First- I can’t tell you enough how important and over looked this one is. Don’t expect this to happen right away. You need to build up to this routine gradually. First make your dog sit before you open the door to go outside. This will begin to build a routine. As the dog sits and waits, then open the door, but do not go outside. The dog is learning that every time we go outside, it must sit and wait first. When you have got your dog to this point, you must then walk outdoors first and then call the dog to come and join you. Ever seen someone open their door and see a dog come flying out? This routine will prevent your dog from unexpectedly bolting out of the house. Let your dog know you control when to go outside. Once the routine has been perfected, it will become second nature.

These are all techniques that help form pack leader status. Again, it will vary on age and breed of the dog. They are all things that should be practiced daily. You never want to forfeit your role as pack leader. There is nothing complicated about this concept. It is simple, be the “Big Dog!”

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