Today, dogs are frequently and unknowingly treated like pack leaders by:

• Being able to demand playtime or to be let outside/inside
• Being allowed to get up on furniture
• Being pet constantly
• Eating out of a food bowl whenever they like
• Coming and going as they please
• Having many unearned toys to guard
  

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Not too long ago, everyday dogs were responsible members of the family with important jobs to do. In the past, people interacted with their dogs quite differently than we do today. For instance, many dogs slept outside so they could patrol around the house because homes did not have alarm systems. Before the dog food industry was developed, dogs waited patiently for their owners to finish eating before receiving any leftover scraps.

Today, many dogs are treated more as “surrogate children” then dogs, which is why some dog behaviorists believe that these relationship changes are to blame for the increase in behavior problems such as: nervous disorders, separation anxiety, and even phobias among others. Since dogs have pecking orders within their pack, it is vital that pet owners know how to become kind and benevolent leaders or role models, for their dogs. This next section is designed to help you do that.

Leadership Exercises

Here are some simple exercises that will help your dog regain his rightful place as a respected, responsible member of the family.

Feeding

• Leaders eat first: You can prepare the dogs food, but set it aside while you eat. When finished, give the dog his food as long as they are quiet.
• No free feeding: The dog must finish their meal in one sitting. If they do not, take the food away until the next feeding.
• All meals are earned: Before delivering the dogs meal, raise the bowl above his head until he sits. Slowly lower the bowl to the ground. If the dog lunges towards the bowl, raise it up and repeat the process until the dog sits nicely without lunging at the food.
• Practice a release cue: When the bowl is fully lowered to the ground, give the dog a release word. Don’t let them reach the food until released.

Sleeping

• No sleeping on human beds or furniture: if your dog reacts aggressively while being coerced to move from his sleeping spot, make sure to use
• The dog should sleep in a crate at night and when you are not home

Actions That Demonstrate Leadership

• Leaders don’t change direction or step over the dog
• Leaders do not offer free treats
• Leaders do not beg for attention
• Leaders decide when playtime begins and ends
• Leaders go through the doorway first

Once the dogs behavior improves, feel free to return one or two privileges at a time. That way, you will be able to tell which privilege causes your dogs behavior to get worse.