How to be a Leader to your Dog
Dogs naturally have a pecking order. We didn’t create it; it’s just how they’re structured. In the past, they hunted in packs and in that pack, there was always a leader. Other members of the pack would look to the leader for guidance and “leadership.”
Now, times have changed, and dogs have become more domesticated. However, the pecking order remains, and you ought to be at the top! For instance, ensure that your dog is properly leash trained, so they don’t pull you and think they’re the boss. In this article, we’d teach you ways to ensure you’re the leader of your dogs.
Let’s get into it!
What is a Dog Pack Leader
A dog pack leader is a dominant figure that controls and guides other dogs. This pack leader eats first, hunts for food, walks ahead of others and leads other dogs in the pack. Essentially, they’re seen as the boss of others.
Now this behavior shows itself in your home. Naturally, your dog will try and find who it feels is the leader. If it doesn’t see one, it automatically assumes that it is the leader or at least attempts to become one. If it succeeds, it can create many negative behaviors and it will become difficult for you to control them.
The qualities of a pack leader are one who protects, directs and provides for the pack members. However, contrary to popular belief, the pack leader is less of a boss figure and more of a parental figure. For other members of the pack to accept a leader, the leader needs to earn their trust.
Why is it important to be the leader of your dog
This instinctive need for a pack leader in dogs is because they are social animals. Therefore they crave structure, stability and consistency. This is especially important in the domesticated world of the present, where they can’t run around freely and hunt or create a natural pecking order amongst themselves or with us.
They need someone that they know they can rely on and trust. You should be that someone.
Being the pack leader for your dog prevents a lot of behavioral issues. One of the first is disrespect. When a dog doesn’t feel led, it becomes confused. This confusion is because the lack of a pack leader goes against its instincts and they act out.
Thus, it’s important that they see you as their pack leader. It would make them easier to train, better behaved and more trusting of you. They learn to look to you to guide them and tell them what’s right and wrong.
A lack of leadership can cause the dog to become possessive of you, making them aggressive. They can start becoming territorial and neurotic in worst cases.
How to show your dog you are the leader
Do not think that being a pack leader means bullying your dog. Absolutely not. In fact, if you do so, you can end up with a badly behaved dog. Being the pack leader, in this context, is similar to being a parent. You want to guide them and make them feel safe.
Here is how to be a leader to your dog:
Make your dog earn a living!
We don’t mean that your dog should wear a suit and tie and go to the bank (although that would be cute). What you want to do here is have your dog earn everything they get, from general freedoms to food to play and affection.
For instance, instead of feeding the dog whatever they want anytime, use the food as a reward for obeying basic commands. You can do this once every day. Maybe take 15 minutes and make the dog complete a task before giving their food.
Don't allow the dog to lead the walk
Your dog walking in front of you and dragging you is a big no-no. That’s a very clear way to tell your dog that they’re the boss of you. They would think they’re choosing where to go, who to meet and what to do.
Honestly, you can’t blame them. Dogs are naturally nomadic animals that want to explore and see the world. But they should do so on your own terms. Every dog needs a job. Leash work is the best, most simple job we can give them. It’s like a game of “follow the leader”.
To show your authority, lead the walk. A good way to do this is to make them walk beside you. Note that this may be different for service animals.
If they pull you, bark at a passer, start to wander, immediately disagree with this behavior and redirect them into a better one. Use short leashes to guide them better.
Play games like tug and fetch to show control
Games like this show control on your part and are fun and stimulating for your dog. However, ensure you start the game yourself. If your dog tries to take control of where you start or stop, ignore them.
Ignoring your dogs may be hard at first, but it has a good purpose. You are trying to build their obedience level and boundary respect, which can save them in the future.
Take control of your home
If you allow your dog unrestricted access to everywhere in your house, your dog would think it owns it, and they will struggle to see you as a leader. Don’t allow them on furniture without permission, and don’t allow them to sleep in your bed without your permission.
When you show them that they can’t go anywhere they want to in your house, you are showing yourself as a pack leader. When they understand your boundaries, you can now let them to certain places only with your permission.
Your dog must never bite you
No matter what happens, you must never see your dog bite you. If they ever put their teeth on you, immediately reprimand. Do not take it lightly at all! Ignore the dog for a while even if they come to seek attention.
You must make sure they know the gravity of what they did. This tough love will protect you and others in the future.
Control the food
Pack leaders control food for other members. They get to say what others eat, when, and in what quantity. Use this ideology when dealing with your dog. Ration the food and keep the packages away from them.
If your dog becomes protective over food, nip that in the bud. Start training them to have restraint or take away the food completely. However, if they are showing signs of aggressive overprotectiveness when eating, don’t collect the food randomly as they may attack.
Enlist the help of a professional. Contact us now.