Alpha Dog Training: Take Charge of the Pack with Confidence
If your dog is generally disobedient, the first step in alpha dog training is to establish, or re-establish, yourself as the leader. The everyday habits below help you claim the alpha role in daily life.
Easy Ways to Establish the Alpha Position
- Step outside first. Any time you leave the house or the car, go out ahead of your dog. In a dog's mind, only the alpha leads the way. Inside doors count for less, but at every exit to the outdoors, make him wait until you have passed through.
- Have him wait for meals. You and your family should always eat first. Serving his dinner half an hour later does no harm. When you put his bowl down, ask him to sit and stay until you give the release to eat. A key part of alpha training is never letting him choose when feeding time happens.
- Restrict free run of the house. Your home is the den, and letting him inside is a privilege. Keep certain areas strictly off-limits to him, such as your bed, some furniture, or particular rooms.
- You decide when play begins. Never let your dog start playtime. If he nudges you for attention or a game, it may seem affectionate, but what he is really saying is, "I'm the boss and I'm telling you to play now." Play is a wonderful way to bond, but it should always happen on your terms.
- Ignore him for a few minutes when you get home. Don't hurry over and shower him with affection the instant you walk in. An alpha dog doesn't fling himself at the rest of the pack; he ignores them. Even if you're eager to greet your dog, ignoring him for three to five minutes after you arrive reinforces your authority and makes more sense to him.
That last step is the toughest for most dog lovers, myself included. I learned that becoming alpha actually made my dogs feel more secure; whenever they were frightened or uncertain, they came to me for protection. Becoming alpha is the essential ingredient in obedience training. Be the pack leader.
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Alpha training works best as a steady routine rather than a one-time fix. Apply the same small habits every day, and your dog learns that you control the door, the food, the space, and the fun. Pair that consistency with clear obedience cues, and your dog gains the structure and security that come from knowing who is in charge.