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.