2 of 20

Write now Article Tools

As some people know dogs are really just domesticated wolves. Wolves have a pack order. Alpha wolves are generally a male and female breeding pair who runs the whole pack and keeps everyone in line (and also are the only wolves to breed in the pack). There are many ways that alphas comminicate that they are alphas.

Body language
First off wolves and dogs have body language that tells does most of their communicating. An alpha wolf will stand tall with a wide firm stance and their head and sometimes tail up. Lower ranked members will hold their head low, may crouch, may keep their tail between their legs. Alphas also give eye contact and just a look can make a pack member sit or lay down.Biting the top of the muzzle indicates the biting wolf is alpha. Grabbing the scruff of the neck with her teeth and giving a slight shake tells a young wolf that mother isn't happy and to stop that. As a human you must be confident in yourself to project that onto your dog. Stand tall,look your dog in the eye. Teaching hand signals may become very useful as it is body language.Grabbing the muzzle and scruff with your hand will be good indicators that your dog should stop something.

Vocal communication
Wolves communicate with many sounds which include barks, whimpers, yelps, howls, and growls. They will growl as a warning, even people can make a sound that is similar to a growl, even just a "heeeeyyyyy" or "noooo" can be like a growl. If your dog is doing something he shouldn't be a sound like this can catch his attention and you can say this and show him what he should be doing.

Now when training your dog use both body language and vocal commnication.Lets say he's biting. Say "nooooo" loudly and grab either the top of the muzzle or the scruff with your hand and stop him. The scruffing method works better on pups rather than adults, the muzzle method works better on adults. Sometimes even grabbing the ear with cause him to stop. Never try to actually hurt your dog, do it firmly but not inflicting pain. If you combine body language and vocal communications when teaching your dog who is boss and in regular training he will learn a lot quicker.

Tips for Being Alpha
Don't let your dog jump on you-not only do you not want him jumping on you when he's muddy, but some people don't like dogs jumping on them period, its a bad habit for him to get into. Put up your knee when he goes to jump and it won't take long for him to see it's not going to do any good,you can say "off" and put your knee

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Don't let your dog be the boss?
We want to hear your view. Write now!