Before we go into specific exercises, here are few things you should be doing on a daily basis to establish not only rules for the house (that all members will follow), but rules for you and your dog. If you know the rules, it is easier to enforce them when your dog does something they should not.

Rules for Your House

• Set Rules with Everyone in the House before you Deal with the Dog
• Be Consistent with Your Dog About Everything – never waver
• Start Enforcing the Rules Immediately, Even with a Puppy
• Be Calm and Assertive – Never Enforce Rules if You’re Angry or Tired
• Never Yell or Hit Your Dog
• Don’t Reinforce Any Behaviors that Are Aggressive or Fearful
• Use Treats and Affection as Rewards

With those things in mind, let’s start looking at the rules for how you can establish dominance on a day to day basis.

Tools of the Trade

When training your dog, you will need to use certain tools to show them how to behave. These tools include a good leash and collar that match the specific needs of your dog. There are dozens of different types of leashes and collars, including harnesses and leads, that fit different personalities, ages, and situations. Be sure to match them carefully.

Additionally, treats or a clicker are invaluable for training a dog. They will help you show your dog what is good behaviour and what is not. Remember – training is a great way to keep your dog active, both physically and mentally.