Puppies and dogs are inborn pack animals and most of their actions reflects that fact. The most important thing to do when you get a new puppy is to confirm your dominance. You are the “pack leader” and you must always make sure that your puppy knows that.

Puppies will expend a great sum of time trying to figure out where they fit into the hierarchy. They generally do this by trying to create their own domination. Some breeds are more assertive than others, for example, the terrier breeds. Some of the other breeds tend to be more passive naturally.

As soon as your puppy comes home he needs to have his place in the pecking order recognized. He needs to recognize that he must be acquiescent to you and that you and the other human family members are the governing members of the pack. All of the humans inside the home must be over him in the pecking order. This is not a matter of reprimand but rather the way it must be in order for him to be happy and to become a reliable doggy resident.

In order to begin the authority you must adhere to a few straightforward rules. If not your puppy will be receiving mixed signals and it will be more arduous for you to train him and he will be confused as to what you really want.

One of the chief rules you must follow is that the leader always eats first. Do not let you puppy eat before you eat. If you and your family are planning to eat at about the same time you want to give food to your puppy, you should make the puppy wait. If not you can arrange for your puppy to eat at a whole separate time as you. At the beginning it may be useful for your training to make the puppy come to you and wait for his food until you are ready to give it to him. You may want to teach him to sit before you put the bowl of food down.

Grooming your puppy can send strong signals about who is in charge. At the start your puppy may whimper and wail when you touch him for basic grooming but you must disregard him and be adamant on finishing. Each time follow through on what you begin because puppies discover very quickly if you really mean something or not.

Most puppies use their mouths to nip and bite at things when they are very young. This behavior must be stopped at once. Give him a abrupt reaction of “No” and a tap if necessary. The pack leader never gets nipped and you are the pack leader.

The most significant thing with a puppy is to show him that you are the authoritarian leader of the pack so be cautious of games such as “tug’o'war’ where he could demonstrate some authority. You must commend his good behavior with words and treats and disregard his poor behavior as you commence obedience training. If you follow these simple tips you will have a well-behaved doggie citizen.