[This article is the first in a 3-part series about changing
dog behavior using positive dog training methods.]

Be a leader, a dog will follow.

Hum, what does that mean?! Simply put, if you lead the
pack, your dog will follow you to the ends of the earth.
Some basic and easy adjustments in your dog training routine
can result in huge changes in dog behavior. The simple truth
is…dog behavior is a result of human behavior. That is,
your dog reacts to you. If you take the time to teach your
dog appropriate behavior, and you are consistent in
reinforcing it, your dog will work so hard to please you.
One key to changing and reinforcing new dog behavior is
using positive dog training methods. This article introduces
some basics in beginning to get some respect from your dog.

Dogs are pack animals, and they want a leader to tell them
what to do and what dog behavior is appropriate. If you
don’t step up as leader, your dog, no matter how big or
small or cute and fluffy, will take over as leader (not just
of other dogs, but of you, your spouse, your kids, the cats,
and anything else that moves and breathes). This is not the
ideal situation, as you can see from the following example.

The Franks are a real family where the dog runs the house.
King didn’t want the role of leader, but no human stepped up
as leader so he felt he had to. His “pack” consisted of dad,
mom, and two kids. Being leader was a big job–keeping track
of the pack, teaching them the rules (which King made up),
and enforcing the rules was a 24-hour job. He successfully
taught the family to stay away from his food and toys
(growling and snapping when they got too close), not to
disturb him if he was napping in main traffic areas like the
middle of the kitchen floor, that certain pieces of
furniture were his and his alone, and that he decided who
got to come into the house. The young boy became a playmate
whom he could nip and jump on; the older child and the
parents were there to care for him. Any infractions of these
“rules” were quickly and severely disciplined by King with
growling, biting, snapping, baring teeth.

If King’s household is like what you experience in your
family, we’ve got some gentle and positive dog training tips
to help you take back your leadership role.

Put these simple steps into your dog’s daily life and watch
the dog behavior changes. Each of these steps shows your dog
that YOU are the leader. Let’s start simple, with 3 very
basic and easy (for you) new dog training ideas. Once you’ve
mastered these, in the next article, I’ll introduce several
more.

1. Show me your tummy!

Make it a positive experience for your dog to roll over for
that yummy tummy rub. This submissive posture indicates a
deferment to your leadership.

2. Praise, praise praise!

Praise for being a good dog. Any dog behavior you like and
want to keep, praise it and give a small treat occasionally.
This focus on what you want is much more successful than a
focus on what you don’t want. No free treats or praise for
the dominant dog. If your dog wants to be petted, have him
sit first! Everyone wins and the dog is learning manners at
the same time.

3. Get out of the way!

A leader gets respect. For Scout, that means no lying in
high traffic areas (hallways, middle of living room or
kitchen), no sitting on your feet, and no refusing to move
out of the way. Gently scoot your feet in the direction you
want to go while using excited tones and waving your hands
to get him up and moving.

For a dog, trying to live with everyone “just getting along”
does not work. Dogs live in packs with hierarchies, not
democracies. Remember, no human leadership means Fifi will
take over and set the rules. It’s time for you to step into
the leader position. If you do, you will notice positive
changes in your dog’s behavior right away. You and your dog
will begin working as a team.

Be the leader–your dog will love you for it and you’ll be
surprised how hard he’ll work to please you.

Get started using these 3 tips and check back in a few weeks
for the next set of easy dog training steps for outstanding
dog behavior!

O’Neal Hendrix is a premier professional dog trainer in Atlanta, GA. For many years, she has “worked miracles” with dogs and their owners. Check out her dog training blog for her advice about everything dog!