Establishing yourself as pack leader! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Safire · 03-04-2007, 04:55 PM

I watched an episode of 'Good Dog' with Stanley Coren this morning and he had some great advice on establishing pack leadership. You've probably heard these before, but it's good as a reminder:

1. Pack Leader Eats First
Before you put your pup's meal down, grab a carrot stick or other small snack for yourself and munch that down before you put his bowl down.

2. Pack Leader Goes Through Doors First
Never let your dog lead you out the door. Make him sit and stay while you go through, then call him to follow.

3. Pack Leader Has Choice Spots
Never step around your lounging pooch if he's blocking your way. Make him move out of your way. Same goes for sleeping. Don't let them crowd you out of your bed. Move them! As leader you get first dibs.

I know this all sounds obvious, but that's why it makes so much sense. Dogs are so much happier when the reigns of pack leadership are not theirs to bear. It goes to show why so many dogs have separation anxiety too...they feel that as pack leader they are responsible for the well being of their family, and when you're not around for him to see, he feels anxious and responsible. If you establish yourself as leader, the dog can relax...in other words "not my problem anymore!"

Little Bit · 03-04-2007, 05:14 PM

I agree.

marcerella02 · 03-04-2007, 05:32 PM

thanks for the tips.. we are having issues with layla thinking she is boss and those help a lot!

Dougal&Little · 03-04-2007, 07:30 PM

those are great tips and it's amazing what a difference just doing those three things can make!

I had dog control round today - it was to get my "responsible dog owner" status - not because I was in trouble. The officer was so impressed that my two "little dogs" were calm and happy with a complete stranger in the house. And those are the only three things I do to assert my dominance. It makes for a happier dog.

(And I impressed the officer with Dixie's "high five".)

rachelsyorkie · 03-04-2007, 09:54 PM

Good advice. Folks need to practice these things to keep a well adjusted dog.

ARCHIE · 03-14-2007, 10:24 AM

Excellent advise.

Catrina · 03-14-2007, 11:30 AM

Based upon that.. I think Princess is the pack leader, o well

JCarlson2004 · 03-14-2007, 11:36 AM

Great tips! Thanks for sharing.

bal214 · 03-14-2007, 12:04 PM

Potter · 03-15-2007, 03:42 PM

Those are some excellent advise.

AprilLove · 03-18-2007, 02:30 PM

That is great advise. I usually follow the first two. But when it is bed time, I always end up with three furbutts velcroed to my butt, side, and chin and I am on the very edge of the bed unable to move

I need to work on that

blondflava · 03-20-2007, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Safire

I watched an episode of 'Good Dog' with Stanley Coren this morning and he had some great advice on establishing pack leadership. You've probably heard these before, but it's good as a reminder:

1. Pack Leader Eats First
Before you put your pup's meal down, grab a carrot stick or other small snack for yourself and munch that down before you put his bowl down.

2. Pack Leader Goes Through Doors First
Never let your dog lead you out the door. Make him sit and stay while you go through, then call him to follow.

3. Pack Leader Has Choice Spots
Never step around your lounging pooch if he's blocking your way. Make him move out of your way. Same goes for sleeping. Don't let them crowd you out of your bed. Move them! As leader you get first dibs.

I know this all sounds obvious, but that's why it makes so much sense. Dogs are so much happier when the reigns of pack leadership are not theirs to bear. It goes to show why so many dogs have separation anxiety too...they feel that as pack leader they are responsible for the well being of their family, and when you're not around for him to see, he feels anxious and responsible. If you establish yourself as leader, the dog can relax...in other words "not my problem anymore!"

Oh boy, seems we have a few things to work on...Here's what it looks like in our house (but I'll work on changing it!!)

1. Before I put Pepper's meal down, I grab a mini carrot for me to munch...and one for Pepper...lol

2. I go through the door first only if I carry a garbage bag outside and can block Pepper... lol

3. What was it about stepping around the pooch again?

LOL
But seriously, I'm trying to work on those it's just so hard with those cutie faces he makes

Breny · 03-20-2007, 10:27 AM

Well based on this....I am FAR from the pack leader. Oh well.....

I love my babies and they know I'm a push over and we love eachother that way !

I don't mind sleeping without my pillow while Rogan sleeps completly ON IT

Lexi Rae · 03-22-2007, 08:11 AM

oh boy am i in trouble.

i feed lexi before i do anything when i get up or get home
she walks out of the door first all the time
i always step around her ,feel bad bothering her.

hmmm

Lexi Rae · 03-22-2007, 08:16 AM

oh boy am i in trouble.

i feed lexi before i do anything when i get up or get home
she walks out of the door first all the time
i always step around her ,feel bad bothering her.

hmmm

03-04-2007, 04:55 PM	#1
Safire Addicted to Tetley Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 925	Establishing yourself as pack leader! I watched an episode of 'Good Dog' with Stanley Coren this morning and he had some great advice on establishing pack leadership. You've probably heard these before, but it's good as a reminder: 1. Pack Leader Eats First Before you put your pup's meal down, grab a carrot stick or other small snack for yourself and munch that down before you put his bowl down. 2. Pack Leader Goes Through Doors First Never let your dog lead you out the door. Make him sit and stay while you go through, then call him to follow. 3. Pack Leader Has Choice Spots Never step around your lounging pooch if he's blocking your way. Make him move out of your way. Same goes for sleeping. Don't let them crowd you out of your bed. Move them! As leader you get first dibs. I know this all sounds obvious, but that's why it makes so much sense. Dogs are so much happier when the reigns of pack leadership are not theirs to bear. It goes to show why so many dogs have separation anxiety too...they feel that as pack leader they are responsible for the well being of their family, and when you're not around for him to see, he feels anxious and responsible. If you establish yourself as leader, the dog can relax...in other words "not my problem anymore!" __________________ Safire Tetley See me on Dogster: http://www.dogster.com/?452576

03-04-2007, 05:14 PM	#2
Little Bit Tiny Dog Big Heart Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,132	I agree. __________________ *Blue Sky Yorkies* "Lots of Love in a Little Package" Click Here for Washable Potty Pads and Belly Bands

03-04-2007, 05:32 PM	#3
marcerella02 Loved by Layla Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ontario Canada...not California :( Posts: 7,848	thanks for the tips.. we are having issues with layla thinking she is boss and those help a lot! __________________ Layla 's Simon http://misscanam.blogspot.com/

03-04-2007, 07:30 PM	#4
Dougal&Little Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New Zealand Posts: 859	those are great tips and it's amazing what a difference just doing those three things can make! I had dog control round today - it was to get my "responsible dog owner" status - not because I was in trouble. The officer was so impressed that my two "little dogs" were calm and happy with a complete stranger in the house. And those are the only three things I do to assert my dominance. It makes for a happier dog. (And I impressed the officer with Dixie's "high five".) __________________ Dougal (card carrying member of the Teapot Club) & Dixie (aka Evil Wee) Dougal's Facebook Dixie's Facebook

03-04-2007, 09:54 PM	#5
rachelsyorkie Rachel & Tilula Belle Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 1,155	Good advice. Folks need to practice these things to keep a well adjusted dog. __________________ Member of THE Not So Crazy "CRAZYCLUB"

03-14-2007, 10:24 AM	#6
ARCHIE Owned by "Buddy" Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 10,686	Excellent advise. __________________ Carol Buddy ~MEMBER OF THE S.R.C. AND TEAPOT CLUB~

03-14-2007, 11:30 AM	#7
Catrina I love my lil wolf! ;) Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 2,288	Based upon that.. I think Princess is the pack leader, o well

03-14-2007, 11:36 AM	#8
JCarlson2004 Mommy To 3 Poochies Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New York Posts: 8,185	Great tips! Thanks for sharing. __________________ Mommy Loves Codie, Tia & Baby Cali RIP My Precious Katie - I Love You

03-14-2007, 12:04 PM	#9
bal214 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: bedford Posts: 8

03-15-2007, 03:42 PM	#10
Potter YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 1,732	Those are some excellent advise. __________________ http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=410379 "No matter how little money and how few possesions you own, having a dog makes you rich."

03-18-2007, 02:30 PM	#11
AprilLove and Nappy own my Heart! Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Wrapped around their paws :-) Posts: 3,384	That is great advise. I usually follow the first two. But when it is bed time, I always end up with three furbutts velcroed to my butt, side, and chin and I am on the very edge of the bed unable to move I need to work on that __________________ MaryKay AprilLove Wubs Moosie Nappy wubs Livvi CandiRoze LOVES her mommy

03-20-2007, 10:27 AM	#13
Breny My Tiny Treasures Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 7,863 Blog Entries: 3	Well based on this....I am FAR from the pack leader. Oh well..... I love my babies and they know I'm a push over and we love eachother that way ! I don't mind sleeping without my pillow while Rogan sleeps completly ON IT __________________ GreensTreasuredYorkshireTerriers.com We Have Babies! www.furbabytreasures.com Premium Health Food and Products FREE SAMPLES!

03-22-2007, 08:11 AM	#14
Lexi Rae Gina, (Lexi's Mommy) Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: LONG ISLAND,NY Posts: 9,492	oh boy am i in trouble. i feed lexi before i do anything when i get up or get home she walks out of the door first all the time i always step around her ,feel bad bothering her. hmmm __________________ Gina & Lexi CLICK HERE for our Photo Album ...

03-22-2007, 08:16 AM	#15
Lexi Rae Gina, (Lexi's Mommy) Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: LONG ISLAND,NY Posts: 9,492	oh boy am i in trouble. i feed lexi before i do anything when i get up or get home she walks out of the door first all the time i always step around her ,feel bad bothering her. hmmm __________________ Gina & Lexi CLICK HERE for our Photo Album ...