Confidence Combats Dominance in Dogs
If you know your dog’s dominant, don’t talk baby talk to her or speak in a cooing voice. To the dog, such an approach sounds as though you’re being submissive—which will compel her to try to boss you around even more.
Leash Training
Before you take your dog out for a walk, give her a command such as “Sit” or “Down” (only use one command). After she obeys—and only after she obeys—put a leash on her and take her out. She’ll get the message that, to get what she wants, she must comply with a directive from the pack leader (that’s you). Then, throughout the walk, tell her to sit at curbs, doorways, and gate entries, and make sure she doesn't jump ahead before you say it’s ok. As the leader, you must always control the direction and the pace.
Show Her Who’s Boss
Before giving her any treat or toy, or before releasing her to play, give her a directive, such as “Sit” or “Down. Stay.” Reward her only after she has responded appropriately.
Don’t Let Them Hog Your Attention
Another way dominant dogs exert control over their owners is to demand attention from them. You’ve finished playing a game of fetch, but your dog wants to continue, so she brings the ball back, leans on you, and continually nudges your hand and whines or paws you. You can put an end to that pushiness by ending the game. Or you can give the dog a command—“Sit” or “Down. Stay”—before you continue the game, so that she knows you are in charge.
You are the pack leader, command your pet to follow orders.
