One of the most important and effective methods of training your dog or puppy is to establish your place leader of the dog pack. We all want to love our canine companions and become their friends. However, many people mistake “friend” for “equal.” You can become the dog pack leader and remain your pet’s companion. In fact, this type of relationship leads to a healthy, safe, and less stressful existence for both dog and human.

An actual pack of dogs operates with a strict social system. There is always an alpha and various “lesser” dogs that submit to the alpha. What human’s may view as primitive is actually a long established form of survival and peacekeeping. The alpha helps protect the pack, making decisions that are in the group’s best interests and maintaining order among the group’s members. In return, each pack member has his or her job to do in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle for all. Without dog pack leaders, the pack itself would fall apart.

In a domesticated situation, the same rule applies. While your pet dog may not need to hunt and exist in an actual pack, he or she still needs the guidance of a leader. Learning how to be the pack leader with your dog is very important for this reason. Not only does it keep your beloved pet safe and content, it makes for a more efficient dog training technique.

Developing your position as leader does not mean you are demanding of your dog. You do not have to bark commands and order you furry friend around to maintain your position. Rather, it is a matter of respect and boundaries. By setting up certain boundaries, you are telling your dog that he or she cannot simply do as they wish. They must follow your rules and your lead.

There are three important things to remember as you attempt leader of the pack dog training. The first is consistency. Canines are creatures of habit, and this should reflect in discipline and training. Your pet should always know what to expect and what is expected of him or her. When you are consistent, the dog is far less likely to grow confused and frustrated by training. If your dog sees you as a familiar and consistent member of the family pack, he or she will be far more likely to follow your lead. Being unpredictable can make your dog nervous which can lead to a number of negative behaviors, even aggression.

Respect is very important in the alpha and omega relationship. Dog pack leaders should always be firm, but fair. If your dog lacks respect for you as alpha, he or she will be far less likely to follow your lead and command. You do not want to become a “weak” leader. However, the opposite can be equally as damaging to the dog human relationship. If you are overly harsh, your dog will come to fear rather than respect you.

The last part of the dog pack leadership equation is to build up a bond through interaction. Being a part of your dog’s life and spending time with your pet will create more situations to reinforce the leader and follower relationship. It will also create a stronger emotional bond. The more you and your dog do together, the more you can understand and appreciate each other.

Leader of the pack dog training is not always an easy task. That being said, it does not have to be a difficult one either. You can enjoy the time spent with your dog. Learn ahead of time how to react to possible regression or other negative behavior so that your dog will learn to respect you and expect consistency from you. Once you have established yourself as leader and protector of the pack, you can enjoy a strong bond between human and canine. Your dog will be happy, content, and glad you are there to lead, support, and nurture him or her into a well-behaved member of the family.