Instructions
Discipline your puppy the moment it displays dominant behavior. Avoid disciplining it after the fact, because this may be confusing to the dog. It may not understand why it's being reprimanded.
Avoid scaring or hurting your puppy by yelling at it or aggressively handling it. This only makes your puppy fear you.
Use firm commands and lightly tug the leash if needed. Use one-word commands such as "Stop," "Stay," "Sit" and "Don't" to reprimand your puppy. For instance, if your puppy pulls on the leash while you walk it, tug the leash and tell it "No." Repeat the action each time your puppy keeps pulling the leash. Over time, it learns to stop pulling and allows you to be the leader.
Avoid confusion. Have family members use the same commands when disciplining your dominant puppy. Make sure everyone's on the same page and knows what the puppy can and can't do. If one family member allows the puppy to sit on the couch or eat table scraps, while others tell the dog it can't, confusion may arise.
Show your puppy that you're in charge. Initiate playtime when it's convenient for you. Avoid giving in to your puppy's advances. You should eat before feeding your puppy. Eating before your puppy eats indicates you are the leader.
Avoid petting your puppy and smiling when it displays dominant behavior; it may think you're encouraging it and may repeat the bad behavior.
How to Deal With Dominant Puppies
Dealing with dominant puppies can be challenging. Because they're small and cute, many people overlook puppy misbehavior. However, similar to babies and young children, puppies need rules and structure. Not correcting and disciplining a dominant puppy can make it grow into a dominant adult dog, which may potentially be dangerous. Teaching dogs how to properly behave at a young age is easier than unteaching bad habits once they're fully grown. Puppy parents must be firm and consistent when showing their dog who's in charge.