Instructions
Read the dog's body language to understand what state of mind he is in. If he is holding his head high with his ears forward and his tail stiffened and puffed up, he is feeling dominant and is percieving himself as the alpha dog of the pack or family. If the dog is carrying is head low with his ears back and his tail low, he has a submissive state of mind and sees himself as a subordinate.
Communicate to the dog that you are the pack leader by holding your head high in a proud and confident stance. Take this stance when telling your dog to get off the furniture in your home or when you want the dog to move back, for example if you are trying to open the front door when guests are arriving. Do not let your dog sit on top of you, as this is a position of dominance.
Look out for your dog's calming signals, which he will often exhibit when he is feeling worried or trying to diffuse a tense situation, for example in the presence of an aggressive dog. The signals include yawning, lip licking, looking away and slow movements. Avoid giving affection to your dog when he feels stressed, and instead reassure and soothe the dog by returning the signals.
Use vocal sounds to communicate effectively with your dog. Recognize that a short, sharp bark means that the dog is excited and may do this when he wants to play, whereas a repeated, high-pitched bark means that he is feeling unsure. Express the relevant tone in your voice when talking to your dog as it is this that he will hear rather than the actual words.
How to Speak Dog Language
Dogs use body language and vocalizations to communicate with one another. As a dog owner, you can learn how to read your dog's signals, which will allow you to see how your pet is feeling. You can also use your own body language to communicate with your dog; this helps gain the respect and trust of the dog, while encouraging the animal to see you as its pack leader. This will prevent the dog from becoming dominant and aggressive.