briardsonly

Just like in the Army, boot camp is really just an introduction to a new career and new way of doing things.  A tour through boot camp isn’t going to solve your Alpha Dog’s problems forever.  It’s a way to get basic respect from a dog who’s been bullying you without having to resort to physical force.

How long should boot camp last?  That depends on the dog.  Some will show an improvement right away, others may take much longer.  For really tough cookies, natural leaders that need constant reminders of their place in the pack, Alpha Dog Boot Camp will become a way of life.  Social climbers may need periodic trips through boot camp if you get lax and accidentally let them climb back up a notch or two in the family pack order.

How do you know if you’re making a difference?  If boot camp has been successful, your dog should start looking to you for directions and permission. He’ll show an eagerness to please.  Watch how your dog approaches and greets you.  Does he come to you “standing tall”, with his head and ears held high and erect?  It may look impressive and proud but it means he’s still Alpha and you still have problems!  A dog who accepts humans as superiors will approach you with his head slightly lowered and his ears back or off to the sides.  He’ll “shrink” his whole body a little in a show of submission.  Watch how he greets all the members of the family.  If he displays this submissive posture to some of them, but not others, those are the ones who still need to work on their own Alpha posture and methods.  They should take him back through another tour of boot camp with support from the rest of the family.

Petting & Attention

Alpha Dogs are used to being fussed over.  In a real dog pack, subordinate dogs are forever touching, licking and grooming the Alpha Dog.  It’s a show of respect and submission.  For now, until his attitude has shown improvement, cut down on the amount of cuddling your dog gets.  When he wants attention, make him SIT first, give him a few kind words and pats, then stop.  Go back to whatever it was you were doing and ignore him.  If he pesters you, tell him NO! – in a firm voice and ignore him some more.  Pet him when you want to, not just because he wants you to.  Also, for the time being, don’t get down on the floor or on your knees to pet your dog.  That too is a show of submission.  Give praise, petting and rewards from a position that’s higher than the dog.

Games

If you or anyone in your family wrestles, rough-houses or plays tug of war with you dog – STOP!  These games encourage dogs to dominate people physically and to use their teeth.  In a dog pack or in a litter these games are more than just playing – they help establish pack order based on physical strength.  Your dog is already probably stronger and quicker than you are.  Rough, physical games prove that to him.  He doesn’t need to be reminded of it!

Find new games for him to play.  Hide & Seek, fetch or frisbee catching are more appropriate.  Make sure you’re the one who starts and ends the game – NOT THE DOG!  Stop playing before the dog gets bored and is inclined to try to keep the ball or frisbee.

Dog crates have 1,000 uses and working with an Alpha Dog is one of them.  It’s a great place for your dog to sleep at night, to eat in and just to stay in when he needs to chill out and be reminded that he’s a dog.  The crate is your dog’s “den”.  Start crate training by feeding him his dinner in his crate.  Close the door and let him stay there for an hour afterward.  If he throws a tantrum, ignore him.  Don’t let your dog out of his crate until he’s quiet and settled.  At bedtime, show him an irresistible goodie, tell him to SIT and when he does, throw the goodie into the crate.  When he dives in for the treat, tell him what a “Good Boy!” and close the door.

Sleeping Suggestions

Find in your bedroom and especially not on your bed!  Your bedroom is a special place – it’s your “den”.  An Alpha Dog thinks he has a right to sleep in your den because he considers himself your equal.  In fact, he may have already asked him to make room for humans.  Until your dog’s Alpha problems are fully under control, the bedroom should be off-limits!  The same goes for sleeping on furniture.  If you can’t keep him off the couch without a fight, deny him access to the room until his behavior and training has improved.