Artice 4 on "Becoming the Alpha" from Sharda

[Sarah]

rom the desk of Sharda Baker.



Saturday, January 29, 2011

Hi and welcome everyone!

Hello and welcome! This is Sharda with another dog training newsletter for you.

Welcome back to part 4 of the 24steps to becoming the alpha dog of your household.

Let’s continue with this shall we?


DOG TRAINING – STEPS TO BECOME ALPHA



FIGHT THE CONTENDER

Sometimes you can end up with an alpha dog. He is not used to being second fiddle so he will be instinctively on his guard. Challenge the contender and do not let him have the upper hand. They will always like to take your space, roll on your bed, and not listen to you when you call. Maintain your dignity and ignore the challenge he throws.

DO NOT let him lead you. Enforce things like feeding him when it is time for him to eat and not because he demands it. When you walk him do not let him lead or enter the door first. Fight and claim the top dog spot.

Do note however that alpha dogs make great pets because they are smarter to train- once they accept you as the human alpha. BEWARE OF THE TAKE OVER Some dogs take over before you know it in their endearing and gentle ways. They will worm their way into your lap and worm you out of the chair!

They subtlety assume the human alpha’s position before you know it! Be alert and don’t let them have their way or you will lose control.



“DOWN BOY!” WORKS

Dog train your buddy to stay down. This is a good way to get your dog in to a submissive posture. In fact, it’s a good way to have a peaceful time during dinner or when you are busy reading. Get your dog to obey the dog obedience command “down” and make him stay down for 15 minutes, if not longer.

This will make him understand that when the alpha (you) are busy, he needs to be quiet.



SIZE DOESN’T MATTER

You are the alpha and hence at the top of the rung. Remember thought that you are the alpha not because of your size but because of your ATTITUDE. If you start treating your dog as an equal you will lose your status.

The moment you begin giving in by letting your dog share your space too much, you will find that they have no respect for you and have edged you out of the hot seat. Don’t lend your little buddy your couch or any space that belongs to you- those are the privileges of the alpha.

If you baby your little guy or girl, they will assume that they are the dominant alpha and will not pay attention to your commands.


MAKE HIM SING FOR HIS SUPPER

Do not allow your dog to dictate or demand his meals. As alpha, you get to eat first and he must wait. Get him to sit patiently as you serve his food. If he rushes to eat, cover the food bowl with your hand, until he moves away. If he doesn’t listen to you and sit away as you serve him, take the food bowl and walk away. Get the bowl of food later and repeat the action.

This time make sure he sits before you allow him to eat. When you command him to come to the bowl, make sure you are standing and not kneeling down. While giving commands, always have a dominating stance and a firm voice.



TREATS HAVE TO BE EARNED

Do not give your dog treats unless they have done something to receive it. Make sure that you do not treat them just because they look so sweet! You are the alpha, who gives a treats when your bidding has been done and you are happy with your pack member. If a dog misbehaves, then he or she gets no goodies.

DO NOT reward your dog when he misbehaves. They must earn their treats with dog obedience.



Some of the tips and tricks in this dog training newsletter may seem to strict or too mean for your dog but believe me if you spoil your dog too much then these are the things you have to do to help your dog become less dominant and obedient.

The tips that I have presented will not work if you are not consistent with them. Just like in dog training or dog obedience training, consistency and patience is always the key for success.

Remember that hitting or shouting at your dog will do NO good, it’s far better to be calm and say things in a low deep voice rather than to shout or hit them. Hitting them will not make you alpha, it will only make you a bad owner and will cause your dog to lose his/her respect for you.

So, I hope that you learn a lot from today’s dog training newsletter.

Thanks for listening and I will be back with the last part of our dog training newsletter about being alpha.

All the best and take care

Warmly,

[Tarky]

Thanks Sarah, this is very useful.