Managing Alpha Dog Issues Through Labrador Training

If you think that you have a labrador puppy at home that is trying to make a crack at dominance, then you can be sure it is time for some labrador training.

What is sure here is that the lure of dominance was able to worm its way into your dog through little things and little incidents: giving immediately what it wants when it growls, letting the dog be the first in entering or leaving doors, allowing it pull you during walks, etc. But when everything about Labrador training is said and done, what is to be done?

Confidence is the first thing that the seemingly dominant dog needs from you. There will be more time in the future for understanding, but we all need to know now that a dog can easily pick up someone’s fear and uncertainty; worse, if your dog thinks you feel that way, they will try to assume control of everything, transforming them either into dominant or aggressive dogs. You thus need to enter all interactions with your dog calmly, with the confidence that you will be obeyed (remember also not to give a command that you cannot enforce).

After settling the issue that your lack of firmness and consistency can affect the dog, the next thing needed is supprt for “Nothing in Life is Free” as a way to help the dog out of its dominant streak. The dog needs to learn in this scheme that if it wants or needs something, it will need to “pay” a price first, e.g. obeying a command. This means that if the dog wants to start eating, it needs to be sitting and calm. If it wants to go outside, it will need to be sitting by the door first. If it wants a toy to be thrown, it needs to be sitting down first.

Other things you can do include:

a) getting a crate. Put the dog inside whenever either of you need a break. But you need to maximize the importance of your crate by of course training the dog to appreciate the crate as a place of security and privacy.

b) training in obedience work with the dog. A good way to build the relationship you plan for the dog and yourself is to have “work” for it to do, 5 minutes a day several times through out the day. Start off with a long lead to get the puppy to run and play in the yard, after which obedience can start. Keeping the leash on the dog allows you to regain control of the dog.

Basic obedience training is a good source of major dog raising solutions. The best classes for a puppy are short, fun sessions that employ positive reinforcement techniques and permits interaction, or playtime, off leash with other pups.

To end, persuading a dog that you are the alpha takes time and consistency, but it is part and parcel of keeping a dog. Moreover, it is Labrador training, through and through. Whether it is by the door, near the dog bowls, or about the dog’s favorite doggie treats, do not lay off a single day living and acting out “Nothing In Life is Free.”