Dogs need to know their place in the “pack” to feel secure in their lives. They need to know that they can count on you to be the leader. Follow these simple rules of leadership and you will be on your way to a better relationship with your dog.

1.  Nothing in Life is Free 
You control all the resources in your dog’s life (food, exercise, play, attention, etc.) and you should take advantage of this to teach your dog that you are the boss. It’s actually very simple. All you have to do is have your dog do something for you (sit or lie down) before he/she gets anything in his/her life. This simple act of deference reinforces the fact that you are in control. 

2.  Lie down and Stay 
Teach your dog a solid down-stay by slowly adding duration to the down command (add time in minutes or even seconds). Once he/she is able to down-stay for a half-hour you should require a 30-minute down-stay every evening. 

3.  Wait by the door 
Teach your dog to wait politely at the door in a sit-stay before being let outside. Start by teaching a sit-stay at the door without opening it. Then begin to reach for the knob while he/she is sitting politely. Next you will turn the knob, then open the door slightly, and then finally open the door completely. Your dog should learn to wait until you release him/her from the sit-stay to go outside. 

4.  “Off” 
Start teaching your dog “off” or “leave it” by holding a treat in your open palm in front of him/her. When he/she makes a move for it, say “off” and close your fist around the food. Repeat this until your dog will back off immediately. Next put the food on the floor (be prepared to cover it with your foot if the dog reaches for it) and as he approaches, say “off” and when he backs away reward him with a special treat from your pocket. Repeat this game over and over until your dog generalizes that “off” or “leave it” means to move away from whatever he/she is approaching.