Who's The Boss?

Dogs are extremely clear about relationships: either you are someone to listen to, or you are someone to be directed. Period. Power struggles evolve around the issue of control. They result from a lack of clear-cut delineation of roles, or a lack of respect for the designated authority figure. Power struggles are learned behavior.

Dogs are pack animals like wolves, and they respond naturally to the laws of pack existence. A dog is a dog; from a Great Dane or a Rottweiler to a Poodle or a Chihuahua, they will lead or be lead. Just because your puppy does not live in a wild pack does not mean that she will not instinctively adapt these behaviors to her domestic environment. Living with your puppy will be much more enjoyable and meaningful if you understand the basic principles of pack life and apply them to your relationship. Dominance and submission are absolutely central to the pack.

All puppies love to play: you can capitalize on this by making play sessions with your pup part of her training. Play conditions your pup to be enthusiastic about learning and to enjoy being with you. By mixing training with games, you can bring out a healthy attitude in your pup that will carry over to conventional obedience work as she gets older.

Prevention, easier than correction, is the name of the game. Start grooming right away even if there isn't much to groom. Rough games encourage rough behavior, so avoid rowdy forms of play. Don't encourage your puppy to do anything you do not want your adult dog to do. Get your puppy used to having you touch her while she eats. Never pet a barking or whining puppy, the response to soothe the upset youngster is seen as praise, leading to more of the same later in life. If you can ignore the noise praise her when she stops. Get a puppy used to all kinds of handling early. When you get your pup, be sure to gently grab her skin, hold her tail for a second, or lift up one of her paws. Always be gentle; you do not want to hurt the pup.

Do what is truly natural: be your dog's leader. Most dogs love their owners, but many don't respect them. Respect is earned, not given. Dogs adore and respect a confident leader who is decisive and fair.