Instructions
Do not let your dog sleep in the bed with you when you first bring her into your home. The pack leader is supposed to have the best sleeping quarters, and this will confuse her as to who is in charge. But this need not be permanent. Many people enjoy having their pets sleep in the bed with them once leadership is established.
Make sure you are the first one to walk through the door when you are taking your dog outside and bringing him back in. It's a simple case of follow the leader. Try to teach him to sit as you open the door, then give him a command telling him it is OK to follow you when you are ready.
Pay attention to the eating schedule. If you and your dog eat roughly at the same time, you should always eat first. The pack leader always gets to eat first. And never feed her from the table. You and your family have your meal, and put your dog in a crate or some other part of the home where she cannot beg at the table. When you are finished, feed your dog her meal in her own bowl.
Learn to ignore your dog. That simply means that he cannot demand attention from you whenever he feels like it. If he is jumping or whining or scratching at you, ignore him. Then, when he calms down, you pet him and give him treats. This makes it clear that you are still the pack leader; you will decide when he gets affection and attention.
Avoid the urge to hit or yell at your dog. It is understandable that your pet will do some things wrong at times. But hitting and yelling will only instill fear in her, and that is not the right way to establish yourself as pack leader. The leader is strong and demands respect. You want an animal that respects you, not one that fears you.
How to Establish Yourself as the Pack Leader With a Dog
The most common mistake dog owners make is letting a pet take over the home. We do it because we love our pets and want them to be a part of the family. But we need to remember that dogs are pack animals and want a leader. And that leader is you, and every member of your family. Once you establish this, you will have a much more peaceful and happy home with your family pet.