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Dogs are highly sociable animals and in order for them to survive as a pack, they need to follow a structure. You as the owner should know how to be an alpha dog. Once your dog arrives into your place, you will hone a relationship where he would be able to understand that you are the leader of the pack and not him.

Being an alpha doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to intimidate him nor do it by force. Rather you would just want to take charge of his activities. For puppies, showing him that your are the alpha is very important or else he would assume the position and you will be in for a headache. Practice submission regularly. Hold him up until such time he would stop squirming and whining. And once he does, praise and give him a treat.

How To Be An Alpha Dog

Sometimes a dog might not be showing signs of aggression, however the dog is suddenly showing signs of separation anxiety, such as destructive behaviors when you leave the house. A dog that steals food from human hands has no respect for the human, and therefore does not see the human as pack leader. A dog that questions his place in the household pack can sometimes cause him to suddenly display destructive behaviors, as the dog is confused and taking his anxiety out on your house. A dog that knows his place in his human pack is a happy dog. A dog that does not is a confused dog and can exhibit many unwanted behaviors because of it. Source: Dog Breed Info, http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/topdogrules.htm by Sharon Maguire

Establishing the Alpha Position

Take control. Control his games, feeding time, food, sleeping areas and social contact. If he loves to play tug with you, make sure that you win the game, don’t let him take the toy away from you. And in case he loves to steal your socks or other belongings, put a leash on his collar while he is inside the house so that if he steals something and runs away, it is easier for you to stop the game by stepping on his leash.

Control his games, feeding time, food, sleeping areas and social contact. If he loves to play tug with you, make sure that you win the game, don’t let him take the toy away from you. And in case he loves to steal your socks or other belongings, put a leash on his collar while he is inside the house so that if he steals something and runs away, it is easier for you to stop the game by stepping on his leash. Feeding times. Feed him 2 times per day and let him experience a short sit-stay during meals. This is you telling him that you are the one in charge of his food and feeding times. You may let your dog use your bed or couch as you please but make sure that if you command him off it, he would be willing to do so.

Feed him 2 times per day and let him experience a short sit-stay during meals. This is you telling him that you are the one in charge of his food and feeding times. You may let your dog use your bed or couch as you please but make sure that if you command him off it, he would be willing to do so. Control your contact. Your social contact between each other should be controlled. Most dogs spank their owners with their paws or bark just to get their attention. If he does this, command him to sit and stay.

Everyone around the house can help with this task on how to be an alpha dog. The closer you stick to those steps mentioned above, the easier it is to maintain being an alpha dog. Do not in any way use force on him because it would only lead to aggression.

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