Your Dog Should See You As An Authority Figure: Here’s How!

Photo by nishizuka: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-chihuahua-485294/

Dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason, in that above most other animals, even cats, they are trainable and will listen to instructions if treated correctly. They can even work full careers alongside humans, even in fields like law enforcement. However, to get there it takes a fair amount of training and investment. Moreover, they’re similar to children, in that an owner (or more aptly a parent in a family scenario), you can’t just be their best friend, but also a figure or authority, one that sets boundaries. This way you gain respect and the ability to apply discipline where it’s suitable.

Achieving that, especially in a rescue dog or one still experiencing puppy-like inclinations, can be easier said than done. In this post, we’ll not take that status for granted, and begin thinking about how your dog can see you as an authority figure, and the small steps that achieve such a status in the eyes of a loving pooch:

Repeated Training

You may find that you’ve taught your dog a command like “sit,” but they only seem to listen to you in the living room. Dogs are creatures of habit, and they learn through repetition. If you want a command to be ingrained, you have to practice it in different environments and at different times, as it the case with most people.

If done right, that effort reinforces the behavior and teaches them that the command applies everywhere. You might find that attending a professional class or workshop is helpful to maintain this consistency. A service like All Dogs Unleashed dog training can help with this professional practice, and it gives you a structured environment for learning away from home, which is also important.

Consistent Boundaries

Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations (as many people do). That means if you let your dog jump on the sofa one day, but then yell at them for doing it the next, your dog will be confused about what you want. Every good owner will absolutely have to implement the rules and stick to them, so your dog understands what is allowed and what is not, and that also means talking to your family about the behavior you’re trying to instill in your furry friend, too. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to be harsh or unloving. A dog can sense if you’re not being serious, so you have to be firm and calm in your instructions, and then the boundaries will command a kind of respect.

Clear Communications

Dogs are very capable at picking up on tone of voice and body language, as when you give a command, it’s important to use a clear, consistent tone. Shouting can make a dog feel anxious or even make them feel oppositional, but a soft, pleading tone can make them think you’re playing. 

Moreover, using the same hand signals and body language for a command every time you give it helps make you clearer, and helps to remove any confusion for them. If you’re firm and have an “instruction tone” the chances of being listened to are higher.