Alpha Dog Training: A Guide to Establishing Leadership and Asserting Your Role
At Southeast Bully Kennels, we’ve spent years raising Pocket and Micro Bullies, and we’ve seen firsthand how crucial proper training is for their growth and development. That’s why we strongly believe in the power of leadership dog training, also known as the alpha method.
You need to communicate to your pet that you are the leader here, that you have the dominant position, and the final decision is yours. Here’s a guide to alpha dog training methods and asserting your role as a leader.
Step 1: Be consistent
Once you bring your pet home, your role begins immediately. You need to be consistent. Set the rules and follow them. For instance, if your dog is not allowed on the bed, keep it that way—no exceptions. The more consistent you are, the faster your dog will learn and respect boundaries.
Step 2: Control Feeding Times
You have to set up and control the feeding time. Meal times are the ideal time to train the dog. This is the time to connect with the dog and train it to sit, eat, and wait. Start with basic commands like ‘ok’ or ‘eat’ commands.
Step 3: Don’t Talk the Walk, Lead It
When you take the dog for a walk, ensure you are leading and not following. Train the pet to walk next to you or behind you—not in front, ever. The dog can be kept close to you with the help of a short leash. If the dog pulls the leash, stop and walk the other way. If the dog catches up with you, you must reward it with a treat placed next to your shoe. This way, it will learn to walk with you and not in front of you.
Step 4: Regular Training Sessions
Training must be regular as it helps reinforce the lessons for the dog. As the dog learns the commands, it accepts you as the leader. The utilization of positive reinforcements like treats, pats, and praises for good behavior can make the leadership training sessions enjoyable as well as productive.
Step 5: Control Play Time
You should initiate and end playtime. This will inform the dog about who is in control, especially during fun times. As soon as you command, make sure the dog leaves toys—it needs to respect you as the leader with control over resources.
Step 6: Assertive Body Language
Your body language tells the dog a lot about who the commander is. Be confident and authoritative in front of the dog. Use a firm voice when commanding. Do not shout or show any kind of frustration, as this can confuse the dog.
Step 7: Encourage Calm Submission
When the dog submits and calmly accepts your command, like lying down and exposing its belly, you should reward it with affection. Gently pat it to reward them.
Step 8: Respect Your Dog’s Space
If you expect your dog to respect your space, you must do the same. Do not invade your dog’s private spaces like the bed or crate. This will help you develop mutual respect.
Step 9: Be Patient
Alpha leaders share a common trait: patience. Do not intimidate or physically punish the pet; instead, stay calm, consistent, and positive.
Step 10: Seek Professional Help
Take professional help from a dog trainer for guidance. They can strategize and create a customised alpha dog training plan as per the dog’s specific needs.
Being alpha does not require you to be scary or strict. Follow our tips to establish yourself as a leader.