If you find yourself asking yourself this question, you probably have trouble controlling your dog. You find yourself following and adjusting to what your dog wants. If this is the case, then you should read on. I will tell you why your dog is behaving this way and what you need to do to change this behavior.
mentality pack
Your dog may not have been born into the wild, but pack mentality is still part of his instincts. He will order the social order showing dominance and power. Therefore, he will see you as his leader or his follower depending on how you act, behave and treat your dog. It may be that you have coddled your dog and routinely give in to what he wants, he will start to think that he is the alpha male and you the follower.
That I have to do?
You see, dogs are like children. You should be able to set rules for them to follow; the lack of rules will only make your dog spoil. If you try to use these few simple rules, you can help not only discipline your dog, but also teach him that you are the boss or the alpha dog.
You first before your dog
Even simple things like this will let your dog know who is the alpha male (or female) in the house. In the wolf pack, the leader always eats first. If you show that you are eating first before your dog, he will let him know that you are the leader of the pack. Don’t try to give in when he whimpers and looks at you with those sad puppy dog eyes. Also try to avoid giving him bits of food from your plate while he is eating. He should only eat after you have eaten.
Another rule that applies to this is when you’re walking through the door. When you allow your dog to go through the door first, you are implying that he is the dominant dog. You should always keep this in mind. Leaders lead and followers follow. So whenever you go through a door, make sure you go through first so he realizes that you are the leader and he is just the follower.
sleep rules
We have seen many movies and things on television of pet owners who let their dogs sleep in their bed. That’s a big no no. Letting him sleep in your bed tells him that you are both the same. Provide him with a bed or crate that he is comfortable sleeping in. Make sure your bed is placed on the floor. If your dog has been sleeping on the floor, do not walk around your dog. Dominant dogs sleep where they want, and short dogs walk around them so as not to disturb their sleep. So if you see your dog sleeping on the couch and you want to lie down, give him a little push to get him out of the way. If he is sleeping in the hallway and you have to walk, gently wake him up so he gets out of the way, of course don’t try to step on him.
These are just a few simple rules to let your dog know that you are the leader. Keep these things in mind and in practice at all times, and your dog will soon realize that you are the alpha male in the house.