Puppy dominance at door?

This isn't dominance, it's called lack of training and impulse control. My dogs are often the first ones out the door, but they do not go out the door at all unless I have told them that they are allowed. You should never tolerate a dog pushing past you to get out the door first. Not because this is "dominance" behavior from the dog but because it can be very dangerous to both the dog and people. You can solve this issue by TRAINING your dog to wait at the door. Make him sit and wait while you open the door. If he starts to get up, close the door immediately (if he is particularly impatient you may have to start by just reaching for the door and removing your hand from the handle when he starts to get up) and put him back in a sit. He is not allowed to get up from the sit and go through the door until you give him a release command (many people use "ok," although this is perhaps not the best release since it comes up so often in regular conversations, "free," "all done," and "go play" are also common release commands). If he even starts to get up from the sit, a simple "no" or "ah-ah" from you and shutting the door immediately is all you need to redirect his attention before putting him back into the sit. By doing this your dog will learn that he is not allowed through the door unless you release him and will learn to sit and wait politely when you open the door.

As for being "more dominant" and "a pack leader" you simply need to control the resources. You get to say if/when the dog is allowed on the couch. Teach him basic obedience and ask for something each time your dog wants something from you. Sit before you go through the door, down before you put the food down on the floor, shake before you throw the ball for him. Small, simple things like this will firmly establish you as the one in charge without resorting to physical violence.

You want to be the Pack Leader? Good for you!!! First thing you need to do is to teach him to sit and stay. You can't get that done in a few minutes so you are going to have to work on it every day 3 to 5 times a day. Use treats. Doggie training treats. Hold the treat over his head and back towards his neck so he has to sit. Once he sits, lots of praise and treat. If he does not sit, you say no or hey or whatever word you choose (and stick with that word) and turn your back. Give it a couple of seconds then try again. You can also use hand signals while you are doing this. Once the sit is automatic, make your dog look you in the eye. Put the treat up to your nose and make him look right at you. I use the word "Focus". Which is telling my dogs to look at me. Some people don't use this but I have always found it useful when I am trying to teach my dogs. (If you ever watch a good trainer, the dog focuses on the trainer) Then you do the stay. There are all kinds of good puppy training sites for you. I am sure some dog trainers will give you excellent resources.

But! In the meantime, you want your puppy to stay behind you as you go out the door first. That is simpler than most people think. Leash him up, tighten up on the lead, a small pull to the side to get his attention and you walk out the door and say come as you do it. If he tries to beat you out the door, go back and start again. Don't let him go first no matter how many times you have to do this. It is patience, calm assertiveness and consistency.

You need to create rules, boundaries and limitations. Now from here I am going to let the dog trainers on this site take over. If you feel as though you are not getting the answers you are looking for please feel free to email me. I am NOT a trainer. I have taught myself by watching others and (CM haters, no shouting at me please) watching Cesar Millan Dog Whisperer.

Stick to your guns and LEAD!!!!

You are on the right track, just invest in a few good training books, and take an obedience class. It will go a long way to making your dog's life a happy one for both of you. A dog that has a leader and knows his limits is a happy one.

First, does he sit on command? If not, get some treats, and only give him a treat when he sits. If he doesn't get it at first pull up on his leash and down on his butt until he sits.

Second, once you have taught him to sit, have him sit before you go out the door... so you will go first. Have him sit before you put him in your vehicle too.

Yes, it is important to be dominant and the pack leader. Let him see you eat but do not feed him from the table. Make him sit before you put down his bowl. Never let him mount your leg...

once you've mastered sit...there's come, heel, and down.

Always make lessons short and fun!!

You should be the first one out the door and through any other doors, hallways or any other narrow place.

The easiest way is to prevent him form going before you. Hold the leash so he can't go ahead of you. You can tell him to Sit/Stay until you are through the door, then invite him through.

You should not allow him to go ahead of you on walks. He should be at your side or behind you. Their shoulder should not go ahead of your leg. A swift correction at the right time will teach him to stay by your side.

There is a long list of things that should be done to ensure that you are the pack leader. I think you could find this list on line if you google it. I would try to establish this asap and your life with dog will be much easier.

You should be first. You can solve that by making your puppy sit while you put on its collar and leash. Then you have to teach your puppy to come, and/or heel. Put the puppy on which ever side is the side you write with. If your puppy whimpers and pouts at you and their is obviously nothing wrong, ignore it. Play with the puppy on your time (sensibly).

Watch The Dog Whisper That would tell you How to be a pack leader

no matter how old is the dog.

hi