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How do you show your adolescent puppy that you are
the leader of the pack?
Dogs are pack animals. It's important that your puppy recognizes his
role in the pack - and your role as "leader of the pack". During
adolescence some puppies may act like they have forgotten that you are
the pack leader. How do you remind your good puppy, who may be acting
badly, that you are the "alpha dog"? The following article will give you
tips on how to show your leadership - and how this makes for a happier
and well-adjusted puppy.
How does the leader of the pack act?
As the leader of the pack, you never raise your voice in anger.
Screaming at your puppy communicates to him that you are out of control,
and doesn't instill confidence in your role as a leader. The same goes
with the use of physical force.
You must be consistent with your puppy. This isn't always easy.
Sometimes you might not be in the mood to discipline your puppy. Maybe
your puppy has just ripped a cushion open, and the sight of him in the
middle of your living room floor covered with feathers is so cute that
you laugh – and then reach for your camera. Tempting as this might be,
it's a good idea not to accept any behavior from your puppy that you
wouldn't want to see again, now or when he's an adult dog. Many
puppy-owners have trouble with this. They don't want to come off as
heavy-handed, and they don't want to curb their puppy's natural
behavior. It's important to remember that what may be cute in your puppy
now may not be so cute when he is 3 times bigger.
Don't neglect to correct your puppy's behavior when necessary. Correct
his behavior by saying "no!" in a clear voice and withhold your
attention for a short time. Your puppy needs to know that he can trust
your direction. If you wait to correct his behavior he won't associate
the correction with his bad behavior, and may be confused by the mixed
messages he is getting. The same goes for praising your puppy when his
behavior is good.
Remember that each puppy is different. Some will be submissive while
others may challenge their role in the pack, especially during
adolescence. Regardless of what kind of puppy you have, it's necessary
for your puppy to understand his role, and your role.
A few more tips to show your puppy that you are the "alpha dog"
Train your puppy to sit while you are eating, instead of begging for
table scraps. Feed your puppy after you have eaten. This shows him that
you come first and he is submissive to you.
Don't make excuses for your puppy when he ignores a command. And never
give a command you are not prepared to enforce. Spend time with your
puppy. This is the best way to understand him, and being the leader of
the pack is not a substitute for creating an affectionate bond with your
puppy.
Remember, being the leader of the pack is not a bad role. It doesn't
mean that you are constantly correcting your puppy. It means that you
are setting clearly defined rules for your puppy, and this helps him
become a well-adjusted dog and pleasant companion.
© 2008 Mars,
Incorporated and its Affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
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