Leader Dog

Leader Dog

How to become the ‘pack leader’ – sometimes I feel like my dog is always testing me?

My dog obeys my husband like there’s no tomorrow! I’m not sure if it’s because he’s male or what?? But my dog (he’s 3 years old, black lab) often tests me, like he’s trying to be my boss. Sometimes he won’t listen to me when I tell him to do things. There has been a couple of times that he has growled at me when I try to take a toy from him. He’s never snapped at me or bitten or anything like that – but I’m trying to stop this before it gets worse! Anyone have any tips? Thanks!
I should add things like this happen when my hubby isn’t home. When my hubby is home, he’s great and very well behaved and his normal loveable self.

No fun being number 3 in the household, is it? The first thing I would do is get him neutered if he is still intact. He has decided that he is superior to you, and the way he’s been acting, you’re probably a little uneasy around him, with good reason. If you came to me for training, the first thing I would do is have you start working him on-leash, with basic obedience commands. Heel, sit, down, stay, come – all of these can gently but firmly assert your dominant role over him. Inside the house, make him do a down stay at least once a day. He can do this for up to an hour. Don’t let him just get up and wander away – he has to stay until you tell him he can get up. When giving commands, keep your voice low in both tone and volume – high tones to dog’s indicate weakness. And give him commands only once before you step in and make him do it. Don’t let your husband intervene, if you tell the dog to do something, you make him do it. Your husband’s help just makes the dog say to himself “yep, I was right, it’s him, me, then her”. No more free lunches, either, he needs to sit before he gets his meals or treats, no matter who is feeding him. You can do this, and it will really benefit your dog, but if you have ANY reason to believe he may get aggressive with you, please, call a trainer and get some professional help. Hope this helps.