TopDog Headquarters, LLC

LEADERSHIP RULES

Hierarchy establishment within the pack (humans and dogs) is of the utmost importance for you and your dog. Dogs still have their wolf instincts and in order for the wolf pack to survive there has to be a well defined pecking order.   

Ranking is important to us for many reasons:

• A dog won't really care about attention from lower ranking members in the pack;
• Dogs will not reliably respond to a lower pack member;
• Any pack member who seeks to disturb this order will normally be challenged. The peace will be disturbed (i.e. a potential bite situation), but will soon be restored once pecking order is established;
• Alpha status carries with it huge responsibilities. If this status is not handled properly, then it will again cause a challenge for the top position by other members.

BECOME ALPHA

• Obedience train; 
• Nothing in life is free;
  • Before your dog goes out, he has to sit;
  • Before your dog is petted, he has to sit;
  • Before your dog eats, he has to sit;
  • And so forth; 
• Alpha always eats first and controls the food;
• Always be consistent;
• Enforce your commands;
• Do not let your dog sleep with you;
• Control all entry and exit areas - doors narrow spaces; you control all high traffic areas for example entrances, exits, doorways, top of the stairs;
• You start and end play - always;
• You control the play toys;
• You set boundaries and enforce through confinement or time out;
• Pet your dog on the top of his head, neck and shoulders area regularly;
• Perform a cradle and message on a regularly basis where you touch your dog all over;
• Make your dog perform long downs;
• You have complete run of your den - i.e. your house;
• Communicate clearly in black and white terms;
• Until your dog does what you want, consider keeping them on a leash while he is outside of their crate and supervise all free time;
• Do not allow any activity by the dog to be perceived by the dog that he caused you to do something;
  • If your dog nudges your arm for affection, do not give him affection tell him sit. Sure this is cute, but if he knudges and you pet he just asked for affection and you gave it to him.  All affection comes on your terms. Give him a command like sit and reward him for that.
• Perform obedience training;
• Do not allow your dog to take prime spots in the house, like a couch;
• Don't allow your dog to control your movement; he moves for you.
• Ignore all demands for attention.