R-E-S-P-E-C-T

R-E-S-P-E-C-T . . . you go girl, Aretha!  Love that song . . . 

Does your dog treat you more like a littermate than their pack leader? Maybe Aretha was on to something!

When it comes to gaining respect from our dogs we have to understand how their brain works in that department.  You see having a pack leader is CRUCIAL for a dog’s security, happiness and well-being.  Without a strong leader we see little out-of-control train wreck dogs who are literally BEGGING for leadership.  It is like how we would feel driving over the Ravenel Bridge without a guardrail - terrifying.

Here are a few things you can try when establishing yourself as pack leader:  

Eat something before feeding your dog, the pack leader always eats first - translation: pack leader determines when and if I eat

Put your scent in their food by mixing it with your hand - translation: the food really belongs to the pack leader

Have your dog “work” for their food, such as sitting nicely and waiting - translation: there is no such thing as a free lunch!

These tips can be helpful if you have an especially willful dog who isn’t respecting you as their leader.  Some dogs are more naturally compliant.  Some just need occasional reminders, some need more consistent firmness.  If your dog is in that last category, try to refrain from ooey gooey baby talk but rather use low, calm decisive tones in your communication.