You may have heard this term a lot from our famous friend The Dog Whisper, Cesar. Well he has it right! A happy dog and happy dog parents will only work if the parent has established the pecking order. Dogs need discipline and order. They need a routine. They need a leader, a pack leader or a master. All dog behavior problems stem from this one issue. Many problem behaviors will disappear when this pecking order is established.

Some simple but very important things to try at first; *Exercise is #1. Walk your dog every day!!!!! Get some of that energy out. * Entry - Always enter your home or doorways first. Have your dog "sit" or "down" at entrance and "stay" until you have entered first. Then give the command "ok" or whatever is your standard command. Your pooch will understand this is your home first and that he is a guest.  * Feeding time - You should if possible wait until you the human has eaten meals first. Then you have the dog sit and stay before you set their food down. Wait... then command "OK". This order of who eats first is also very important and yet a simple thing to do. * Affection - of course dog's always deserve our love and affection. But many times they will come and "nose" you. (push your arm or hand for attention). They need to know that they will gladly get affection when they "work" for it. A simple "sit" command and then praise all you want. Lots of praise and happy voices when your pup does something great!

These are 4 simple yet important pack leader things to start with. Even on old dogs! It is never too late to train a dog. They are always looking for a pack leader. They are so much happier and well adjusted that way! If they feel they have to step up to that task then your life will be made miserable. This is when bad behaviors start to happen.  AND, of course basic training courses with you and your dog will only make this pack leader bond stronger.

We adopted our dog from the Shelter last year and started these steps before we got him in the door. With these steps and more basic training he is a wonderful dog! He comes when called, he doesn't run away through the door the minute it is opened. He is happier being with us. He is exercised daily and does not tear up the house when we are out. THE KEY IS TO NEVER STOP YOUR TRAINING! We just automatically do these steps daily.

Enjoy your friend for their entire life! They will make your life better than you thought it could be. So much love!