Puppy training is undoubtedly one of the most frustrating and time-consuming tasks for dog owners. The cuteness of a new puppy is soon overshadowed by her constant barking, chewing, and accidents on the rug. We must remember that puppies are learning daily how to behave by observing our actions and reactions to determine the rules to live by, just as they would from their own mothers. Your puppy deserves clear, benevolent leadership. If leadership is absent, your puppy will quickly take over as head of the household—or, to her, leader of the pack—and cause big problems when she begins to enforce her position.
At the age of seven to twelve weeks, your puppy is in a bond-forming stage, eager to establish a relationship with anyone around her. She will learn that she belongs to a family—your family—and will take her place within it. Be aware that, because your puppy is a social creature, she will try to find her rank among those around her. The testing stage will begin shortly, where your puppy begins to identify weak spots in the existing leadership and tests them as a teenager would. An absence of solid leadership will make puppy training much more difficult and can result in dangerous, complicated behavioral problems in the years to come.
Because we love our cute puppies, it can be difficult to be stern and consistent when it comes to rules and boundaries. However, providing clear leadership is essential. It is critically important to teach a puppy self-control. Among dogs, a puppy usually has free rein to behave as she pleases until approximately sixteen to eighteen weeks of age. At this point, adult dogs will begin to set boundaries themselves to teach proper behavior to the pup, and it is time for you to do the same. For example, a puppy is no longer allowed to jump up on people. If your pup greets you this way, turn the other direction until she stops jumping. Only say hello and pet her when all four paws are on the ground. To teach her that she may only have her toys when you allow it, put them out of her reach, and give her one only when she is behaving well. Do not make excuses for puppy behavior at this point. The pup is old enough to understand rules, and giving in to unacceptable behavior will undermine your authority.
The Alpha Dog
Becoming the alpha dog, or pack leader, will help your puppy become calmer and will give you much greater leverage and control in further training. Anyone who owns two dogs will notice that one always establishes dominance over the other. This is how the dogs know their place and duty. Just as a sheep-herding dog will see the sheep as her family and fiercely protect them, your dog will fiercely protect your family as she grows older and more capable, if she deems it necessary. When you try to intervene by teaching her not to bark at the neighbors or attack other dogs while out walking, she will not listen because you are her subordinate.
The best time to establish your dominance over a dog—especially a large breed—is during puppyhood. This is not a license for abuse, but rather a way of setting rules for proper behavior and gradually asking for respect, all while keeping in mind reasonable expectations for your animal. Be consistent with positive reinforcement for good behavior, and be aware of exactly what you are teaching your puppy about manners and behavior. One tip to remember is that a tired puppy is usually a well-behaved puppy, so keep up the exercise. A walk is a great way to establish leadership, as long as you are walking your dog and not the other way around.
When you begin puppy training at the right age, you set the foundation for a solid, trusting relationship between you and your dog. Love your puppy, but understand that pack rules are a natural part of life. You will be much more effective at training and behavior modification as the pack leader, and your cute puppy will grow into your happy, respectful companion.
