
As we often observe when we go out on the street, it is evident that many people They do not achieve proper control of their dog. Various factors contribute to this situation: from the improper use of tools such as the belt, the bad popular culture When it comes to dog care, it can even lead to treating our pets in an overly humanized way. While it is natural to want to express our love for them, treating them like humans can lead to behavioral problems. A dog needs a leader more than a human companion.
Your dog is a member of the family, but from his perspective, he is not looking for a parent or friend, but rather a leader who provides structure and security. In this article we will teach you How to Become the Leader Your Dog Needs in Four Key Steps.
Before getting into the subject, we recommend you read our related articles on Communication and relationships between man and dog y the language of dogs, as understanding how these pets communicate with other animals and humans is key to success in leadership.
Essential factors for leading your dog
Below we develop in detail the four fundamental pillars that will help you establish yourself as a leader in your dog's life:
1. Control your emotions
The first essential trait of a leader is the calm and emotional security. A leader is calm, collected, and never resorts to shouting or aggression. Proper communication is the foundation of leadership: interacting positively, leading the game, and maintaining balanced firmness. Transmitting extreme emotions, both negative and overly affectionate, can project weakness in front of your dog. For him, Leadership lies in the security and stability they perceive in you.
Practical keys to emotional regulation
- Avoid raising your voice when your dog makes mistakes; instead, use firm, clear commands.
- Practice led games: you decide when the activity starts and ends.
- Project confidence in all interactions. Dogs are experts at picking up on our emotions.
Additional Tips on the Importance of Tone
The tone of your voice also plays a crucial role. According to canine behavior studies, a calm and confident tone is more effective than an aggressive or uncertain one. Your dog will associate your tone with leadership if it is confident and consistent. To learn more about the impact of tone in training, you can check out our article on dominant dog breeds.
2. Master leash walks
The daily walk is a key opportunity to reinforce your position as a leader. Poor leash management can lead to tension, anxiety and eventually problem behaviors. Your dog should walk beside you, not drag you.. Learn to use the leash as an instrument of union and communication: never as a means of containment or strength fighting.
Key techniques during walks
- Relaxed walking practice: Walk calmly and redirect your dog when he pulls on the leash.
- Use positive reinforcement, rewarding your dog when he maintains the proper pace.
- Introduce basic commands like “next” so your dog understands which position he should occupy next to you.
3. Stimulate your energy with physical exercise and play
Dogs have a huge need to release energy, and if they don't do it properly, this can lead to destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or running away. Combine physical exercise with activities that reinforce your leadership role, such as interactive games where you control the resources (example: you throw the ball and decide when the game ends).
Ideas to encourage exercise
- Outings on bicycles or skates, where your dog follows you.
- Daily runs in a park, making sure your dog stays close.
- Games like “fetch” where you reinforce their obedience and attention.
Remember that not all breeds have the same exercise needs. For example, dogs like the Irish Setter They require intense activities due to their active nature.
4. Set clear rules at home
In the home environment, rules are essential to help your dog understand his position within the “pack.” It’s not about being authoritarian, but about setting boundaries that give him security. For example, avoid behaviors like allowing him to get on furniture or go through doors first; these details reinforce his perception of leadership.
Essential rules to be implemented
- Forbid him from getting on the sofa or bed: these are spaces reserved for the leader.
- Establish specific times to feed him, always after you have eaten.
- Don't let him control strategic spaces, such as doors or windows.
Additionally, working on basic obedience at home will help reinforce these standards. To do this, you can also check out articles on specific breeds such as the Belgian Shepherd Groenendael, known for his intelligence and learning ability.
If you apply these strategies with patience and consistency, your dog will not only be more obedient, but also happier knowing that he has a reliable leader. Dogs thrive in environments that offer them structure, clear boundaries, and caring leadership.
Thanks!! I hope I have expressed myself well and that it serves everyone who has a dog! Thanks for the comment!!! A greeting!!!
Good Morning. I have two little dogs, the oldest, a ten-year-old, a 5 k cross, collected in the shelter so young that she had no teeth and had to be bottle-fed. Her arrival coincided with an increase in the pardovirus disease and the vet did not allow her to walk in the street until she was six months old and the socialization period did not pass. From there: barking at all dogs in the street. We have tried to habituate her in dog hangouts but she gets so upset that she seems to be drowning. It is pure fear. However, when riding her bike she behaves divinely and I do not miss the opportunity to do so. But walking….
The other has been here for three years, yorki, still abandoned as a puppy in a plot where she survived on birds and who knows what else. Apparently she spent several weeks there, was picked up by a boy who takes care of the local cats and took her to his veterinarian's office. There she did not eat or drink for two days and bit the caretakers to the point of not trusting anyone to touch her. When I took it, it first stirred but did not bite me and after two minutes, it hid its head in my elbow. I took it. He has the "little problem" of urinating at home. Always in the same place. At first we thought it was separation anxiety. It got awful. No longer. When we get home we ignore them until they have been quiet for a while. We tried taking it out up to ten times a day. Nothing. Check the hours, and take it out before and do it when you arrive. He seems like a badly mannered old man's dog and I can't get out of the habit. Sometimes they fight. For toys, and we have taught them to play each one with their own. They share a feeder without problems and patiently wait for either of them to eat the other. They share a drinking fountain with a cat and rarely confront each other. Before there were two more cats and I have had no problems. Now it is possible that a new dog, chihuahua, will enter if he does not find a home. Will I have trouble teaching her NOT to urinate at home with the other's scent? Will I bark like crazy at other dogs like the oldest? I'm worried. Any advice?