But if his humans don t provide that leadership, the dog will take over the role himself. To reclaim your family s rightful place as leaders of the pack, your dog needs to learn how to be a subordinate, not an equal. He knew this once, as a baby puppy, because his mother taught him. She showed him very early in life that she was alpha and that he had to respect her. Before you can remove your dog from his alpha position, you must become alpha and earn his respect.
Alpha is an attitude.
It involves confidence, dignity, intelligence, an air of authority. Watch a good trainer or obedience instructor. They stand tall and use their voices and eyes to project the idea that they re capable of getting what they want. They re gentle but firm, loving but tough, all at the same time. Most dogs are immediately submissive towards this type of personality because they recognize and respect alpha when they see it.