It is never too early to begin setting limits for your
puppy.Puppies easily can get away
with behaviors because they are so cute or because they are small. They are
often allowed to do things that wouldn’t be acceptable from an adult dog.Now is a crucial learning time for your
puppy and it is important for you to teach your puppy what is expected from him
now, and what is expected from him forever.
What your puppy
is looking for is just a stable pack leader who can confidently run the show
and keep the pack safe.When there
is no leader, dogs do not feel safe.In an attempt to look out for the best interest of the pack, unsuitable
dogs or puppies will attempt to step up to the position.Your puppy descends from many
generations of wild dogs who all behaved in the same way.It is called “pack instinct” or “pack
drive” and all dogs have it, regardless of breed.Nothing you can do will change this way of thinking.Training it out of a dog is impossible.Instead, you must accept that if you
share your life with dogs, even just one dog, that you now live in a pack.
You may not see your puppy’s subtle attempts at
dominance.You may not think such
a young puppy is capable of dominance already.When they come into this world they must continually
determine “Who is leader now?” and when we, as humans, fail to step up as
leaders our dogs need to take on the position themselves out of sheer
necessity.Now keep in mind, most
dogs are not cut out to be leaders and it causes them a great deal of stress,
which becomes obvious in their behavior.They may bark, bite or act fearful.They may whine excessively or show signs of separation
anxiety when their humans leave.They may become possessive of food, toys or even humans.
Now is the time to teach your puppy where in your pack she
fits!
What does it mean to be a “leader” of a dog pack?
Leaders by nature are calm, confident and consistent.They don’t panic in the face of
perceived danger and instead handle everything calmly and in a matter-of-fact
manner.Leaders never coddle their
followers nor do they lavish attention on them.Leaders don’t give in to demands from pack members and
usually ignore any attempts.
In the wolf pack the leader controls all resources and good
things.This includes food, play
and sleeping arrangements.The leader
chooses when to hunt, makes the kill, feeds himself and then chooses when to
allow the pack members to eat.Pack followers know their position and will respect the leaders wishes.When he returns from a hunt to
followers cannot contain their excitement and jump all over him, licking his
face.He calmly ignores all of the
excessive attention.
Teaching your puppy where she fits in the pack is easy if
you are consistent with the program.There is never any bullying involved and yelling and getting physical
would only confuse your puppy and make her trust you less.If you follow the guidelines every day
you will be giving your puppy a consistent message that she can understand.
1.Control Food
Remember, the leader is always in charge of the food.He eats first so whenever possible,
schedule your puppy’s mealtimes directly after yours.At mealtimes and for any food given to the dog ask her to
“sit” and “wait” while you put the food bowl down on the floor.Choose a word to release her to go eat
such as “OK”.
2.The Walk
The walk is probably the most important way you can get the leadership
message to your puppy.The walk
simulates daily migration as well as the hunt.The walk is about exercise but now is also used to provide
structure to your puppy’s routine.While on the walk you are focused on walking and there is no sniffing,
peeing or lollygagging allowed.If
your puppy stops, keep moving forward.Expect your puppy to walk beside you or slightly behind.Never allow your dog to lead the walk
that would give the message that she is, in fact, leading the show.In the middle of the walk is a good
time to use a flexi-leash and allow your dog to explore with your permission
for a few minutes until it is time to head home.On the way home it is back to structure again all the way
there.
* Note- this is intended for puppies who have mastered walking on the
leash.Never drag your puppy to
teach her to walk.If your puppy
keeps forging ahead, change directions swiftly.Keep doing it until your puppy is focused on you and where
you might be going next.
3.Control Play
Unlike wolves, dogs do not grow out of their desire to play.It is, however, always at the leaders
discretion who plays and when.The
leader starts and stops all doggy games!You can easily take over this position by initiating games using a
special toy or training with your puppy.(I do not recommend wrestling or rough play with dogs)Always end the game before your puppy
is done and put the toy away.When
your dog brings you a toy in attempt to get you to play, take the toy and
ignore your dog for awhile.Later,
call her to you to play a game.
4.No Free Lunch
Never give your dog anything for free!This means food but it can include so many other privileges
your puppy wants.You control all
good things that your puppy enjoys- food, affection, car rides, walks, meals,
etc.When you allow your
puppy to indulge for free it can give her the wrong idea about who is running
the show.From now on, ask your
dog to do something, even if it is just a simple “sit” in order to earn
anything good.For example, ask
her to “sit” to put her leash on, jump in the car or to be petted.
5.Control ALL Doorways
From now on, all doorways have a new meaning.They are a leadership message to your puppy and you must
always go first!Stairways,
hallways and other narrow spaces also apply.When walking through any doorway with your dog ask them to
“sit” and “wait” for permission to step through.You may go through together or you enter first, if your dog
dashes through first make sure you go back and do it again.Take the time to teach your puppy never
to dash past you by turning and going the other way when she does.
* Tip- using a leash helps!
6.Control Sleeping Arrangements
I usually recommend dogs not be allowed on the furniture, especially on
your bed.Allowing them to use our
prime spot has a way of elevating their status in their minds.If you do choose to share your space
with your puppy ensure you always occupy the space first and then call your dog
to join you.If you come to bed
and she is there you should ask her to move.
7.Greeting Your Dog
Remember the alpha wolf?He
returns and everyone goes wild?Everyone goes wild but he remains calm and ignores all of the attention.You will use the same attitude to
convey the message that you are leader.When you return home ignore your puppy for at least 10 minutes and until
she calms down.If she is
kenneled, take her outside but do not engage with her.Don’t even make eye contact!After 10 minutes and when she is calm,
call her to you to offer affection.
8.Control Affection
This is perhaps the hardest because we love to hold and hug and kiss
puppies.Unfortunately, doing so
fulfills our needs but can leave our puppies confused.Too much affection and snuggling can
have devastating consequences.It
is very important to try to only offer affection at appropriate times.Never offer affection to a scared dog
or one that is showing aggression or too much excitement.When we try to give them affection as we
would a human being it instead gives them the message that we want them to act
this way.Petting a fearful dog
and talking to him in a soothing voice rewards fearful behavior.Also never give your puppy affection
when he comes to you for it.Already this is demanding behavior and if your puppy gets his way he is
learning how to manipulate you.Call your puppy to you for affection.This rewards coming to you when called.
Great job!Your
puppy is getting the idea.You are
the boss and you never even had to yell or get physical.When you are leader your dog will
always trust your judgment and do what you say.No longer will you have the problem of worrying that your
dog won’t listen or obey.It is
not easy to be in a leadership position always.It will take some practice to be able to act like the leader
of a dog pack all the time.
Remember, dogs live completely in the moment and the leader
position will need to be constantly enforced.When you begin to slack on the procedure you may instantly notice
that your dog behaves differently.To avoid this, stick to the program every day.
