Tips on Being Your Dog's Boss During Meals, Play and Exercise

There is nothing wrong with bossing around your dog. It is adorable when Fido grabs his leash in his teeth and brings it to you to suggest a walk. What dog owner has not had a similar moment? It takes strong discipline not to cave in to those big optimistic eyes and wagging tail but I do have one word of advice: don't.

Dogs are pack animals that like to follow a leader. If they have no leader to follow then they will become the leader, even if you only have one dog. This is what is called their alpha tendencies. If they do not have a leader to follow then, by default, they must become the leader. Do not let your dog put your life on their leash. Here are some simple tips that you can introduce into your daily routine to help establish who is boss.

Meals. Dogs should only eat when you allow them. The routine that we have found effective is to feed our dog after our family dinner. This ensures that he is fed at a reliable time each day and it sends the message that he must wait until we are through until he gets his chance. If your dog chooses not to then put his bowl up and leave it up until the next meal. It's your choice when he eats, not his.

Going outside. This may seem counter-intuitive for a housebroken dog, but do not indulge your dog immediately when he signals his need to go out. Dogs rarely wait until the last second before pawing at your feet or waiting by the door. Instead, wait a little while and then initiate the action of allowing the dog out. He will probably get excited that you acknowledged his need but at least you did it on your terms. Alternately, take your dog out at intervals of your choosing and do not allow them to return into the house until their business is done.

Physical boundaries. A dog does not need to be relegated into an obscure corner of the house. But there is also no need to allow him to pick anywhere he chooses as a potential spot for a nap. Set boundaries and enforce them, always. Do not allow him to break these rules. If you don't mind him on the couch then make him earn it. Dogs often love being near their owners so this simple act of making them wait helps to establish the role between owner and dog.

Play. Having a dog bring you a toy is precious. Unfortunately, it is the equivalent to a child screaming "I want to play right now!" For most parents this is unacceptable behavior; why should it be any different for your dog? Be sure to initiate play with your dog, especially when you know that he is excited or needs to burn off steam. But be sure to do it at your insistence and not his.

Exercise. Incorporate your dog into your fitness routine. Not only does this give your dog much-needed exercise but it also provides an opportunity to bond through leadership. Remember, this is your routine and not his. You should set the pace and he should follow at your speed. If he is leading the pack then you are the one that is on the leash.

While some of these may deflate the perceived joys of dog ownership, I want to stress that none of these rules should prohibit the full range of activities that an owner and dog should enjoy together. Just be sure to assert the fact that they are to be done on your terms.