With Cesar Milan becoming a household name, dog owners are becoming increasingly aware that being the “pack leader” is not only good, but also the right thing to do. We all tend to appreciate a good leader who steps up to the plate and takes life in the best direction. If everyone in our workplace spent all their time giving out hugs rather than constructive feedback or direction, not only would we as humans become incredibly unhappy and incredibly lost, but misbehaved. Your dog reacts in the same way.

With rescues especially, we may feel obligated to spoil our dogs rotten – and in truth – they do deserve it! They deserve the best life we can afford them, but that doesn’t mean just toys, affection and a handsome collar. To be a great dog owner means always being in charge! Here are a few basic steps to ensure respect in your household, and a better-behaved pooch:

• The human ALAWYS enters/exits a door first: Whomever walks through the door first – is in charge. First teach your dog to sit first before following you through the door. Ensure they’re clam, even if that means waiting, uncontrollable excitement doesn’t equal happiness - it's just out of control.

• The dog site before everything: The dog doesn’t decide when and where – you do. Ask your dog to sit before any type of reward, such as eating, going out for a walk or even affection when you walk through the door after a long day. Having your dog sit before affection, ensures avoiding the following rule…

• The dog is NEVER allowed to jump up: Jumping up is a dominant gesture by your dog. Allowing your dog to jump on you when you come home says to your dog – jumping up any time on anyone is A-OK. You cannot expect your dog to distinguish between when you decide something is appropriate – you must remain consistent. Just as it’s impolite to chew with your mouth open – it’s impolite to teach a dog to jump up on strangers. This behavior should be haulted as soon as early puppy hood. Ask yourself, even though its cute now, when they’re 1 lb – will it be cute when they’re 50 lbs?

• The human leads the walk: Are you telling your dog where to go, or are you following him? You may feel that the walk is “the dog’s time” to do whatever he wants – but that also says to the dog – he’s in charge. A dog can have fun while still respecting rules and boundaries. Just as a child is given limitation when taken to the playground. Your dog’s leash does not count as limitation unless you enforce it. Teach your dog to walk beside you by using a short leash – then only when appropriate, and when you choose, allow them to run loose and sniff everything in sight. Walking at a slower pace (a human pace) is actually more of a challenge for a dog and will drain more of their energy.

• The human eats first: In the natural world, the alpha dog is the first to eat and the pack is not allowed to join in until he is done. Whether you choose to share your scraps is up to you – but begging should NEVER be allowed. The dog should not be allowed to stare, whine or bark. If he does this, give him a correction or make them leave the room. Only when the dog is calm and not begging should you share food.

Remember – stay consistent!