Do You Need Alpha Dogs In Your Home?

Do You Need Alpha Dogs In Your Home?

Do You Need Alpha Dogs In Your Home? The best way to establish alpha status in a pack situation is to be the leader. Now before you go getting upset, understand that this won’t come naturally to all dogs. If you are accustomed to sitting on the couch with your pack mates, getting upset at Fido not being on the couch with you is completely logical. This is how the dog feels. To them, Fido is just another dog. If you establish yourself as the leader, then the dog will want to be submissive to you and react to you and your commands. This makes for a happier pet and a better pet owner.

So do you establish alpha status with your dog? Probably the best way to do this is to start when your dog is a puppy. Socialize your puppy and get him used to interacting with other dogs. When your puppy is used to his interactions with other dogs, he will be used to listening and watching his interactions with other dogs. You establish alpha status by being firm and consistent with your puppy. This doesn’t mean being mean but being forceful.

Do You Need Alpha Dogs In Your Home?

When you come home from work have your puppy greeting you by running to the door and jumping up to say hello. Your puppy has just told you, the owner, that he is the alpha. You don’t have to be scared to return home. If your puppy is wild with joy at seeing you or going out with you, it shows that he is submissive. If you return home and your puppy is laying on the floor or doing the equivalent of laying on the floor, it shows that he is not submissive and is happy to see you.

Some cardinal rules to follow:

-A dog that is rushing to greet you has an opportunity to establish his submissiveness. Instead, try to use a greeting that is more acceptable to your dog.

-Don’t touch your dog without inviting him to play or treat.

-Don’t pull at your puppy’s ears.

-Don’t pull at your puppy’s tail.

-Don’t play tug-of-war. Instead, give your puppy a good scratching behind his ear.

-Always point your finger at your puppy to make him turn and look at you.

-If your puppy gives you a solid correction (growling) DO NOT reacts by hitting him! Instead, give your puppy a gentle shake (fold and shake) and a harsh ‘no’ then immediately step into his space.

-Your puppy should have nothing more than three exercises daily.

Here are a few more tips:

-Sit and Wait: This is excellent for puppies and other times when you’re available.

-Drop Off: Put your puppy’s favorite toys and food in a box. Then take your puppy outside or in the car.

– rehearsing the walk: Before you start the walk, throw a ball or toy a couple of times to get your puppy used to the object you will be picking up.

-Heal: After the walk, explore or for short time periods (15-30 minutes) run with your puppy to help him release any anxieties he may be carrying.

-No More Walks until I’m better: When I have become better on the walk I will no longer need to be afraid of the walk. I will be able to build greater confidence in myself and in the ability my puppy has to learn and understand the process of learning to cope with new and scary situations.

Anything you do that makes your puppy fearful will be worth it in the long run. If you can go a whole week without frightening your puppy then you should do so. From there, you can start to build up your puppy’s tolerance.