Be Your Pack Leader
Dogs, no matter the size or breed, can at times become dominant over their owners. This can manifest in many ways, from aggression to just plain being a troublemaker.
Certain steps can be taken to prevent some behaviors, just by way of some simple things.
- Obedience training is important, especially the "sit" and "stay."
- Make your dogs sit & wait for you to enter or exit a doorway before they are allowed to move.
- Expect some level of obedience. If you don't want your dogs on the sofa, don't allow them to be there. Give them an alternative, like a personal rug or crate. A place to call their own.
- Unless your dogs are completely submissive, don't allow them to sleep in bed with you. Give them a bed in the room if you like, but not yours.
- Always eat your own dinner first, and don't share. Feed the dogs separately whenever possible from the people. Never allow your dog to help themselves in the kitchen or from the coffee table.
- Provide your dogs plenty of exercise so they are more willing to listen to your commands & be mellow about it.