5 Signs your NOT the pack leader.

1. Your dog walks in front and pulls you around when you walk.

When you allow your dog to take the lead, you are not the leader. Allowing this behavior puts the dog in control, which opens you up to some serious dangers. Pulling on the leash isnt going to solve the problem. you have to get into the dogs head and make them understand that you are the leader-- they must follow YOU.

2. Your dog jumps on you when you walk in the door.

Everyone loves to come home to a dog that is happy to see them, but we cannot let the dogs excitement for us, carry them away into disrespect. In the wild, a pack leader would never allow another dog to jump on it. Why not? because it is a show of dominance and a huge no-no in the canine world. By allowing your dog to do this, you are giving them the idea that they run the show.

3. Food Stealing.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Do not tolerate this. Stealing food is a hug pet peeve for me. Its disrespect and lack of boundaries at its worst. A submissive dog would never dream of stealing the leaders food. Pack rules 101: the leader eats first. Tell your dog where to go when you are eating. After, share some food if you wish, but let it be on your terms.

4. You feel that your dog doesnt hear anything you are saying.

Well, its not that your dog doesnt HEAR you, its just that he doesnt care. Being a pack leader is about commanding respect-- and not through force, screaming, or physical abuse. Animals dont respond to these things. They respond to energy and body language. There is a saying in the horse industry that goes like this : "If your horse says, "No", you either asked the wrong question, or asked the question wrong." This saying applies to all animals, especially dogs.

5. Your dog actively and fiercely protects you from others.

Many owners have this problem with their dogs. When a dog trys to snap or bite other people that come into your house, that doesnt mean your dog is crazy or agressive. It means you havent claimed your house. You havent claimed your space, so the dog feels the need to tell newcomers they arent welcome. They are just doing their job, but they arent doing it well, because the pack leader, you, hasnt given them any rules about new people that come to the house. A balanced dog should be tought to be quiet and calm and given a place to lay down when the door bell rings. A dog that thinks it is pack leader will feel a need to protect the lower members. Dont be a beta, be the alpha!