Here is a scene that everyone has probably seen often:

　　“A strong dog desperately rushes forward, dragging the owner holding the leash who keeps running behind.” What does this scene represent? It means the dog owner cannot control their dog. For example, the dog may glare angrily or bark at other dogs, even rush out to fight, causing bites (regardless of winning or losing), or the owner may be pulled down. The dog goes wherever it wants without permission, and the owner cannot control the dog, having to chase the dog while being led. This lack of control easily causes problems.

　　1. The Dog’s Territorial Sense When walking, the dog urinates on this tree, then on that telephone pole (especially male dogs, who seem never to stop). This marking behavior should be familiar to everyone. For the dog, this behavior announces to other dogs that this is its territory.

　　Dogs are pack animals, and walking with the owner is a group activity. Even if not hunting, dogs will be excited, especially when the walking route is fixed, which causes a strong sense of territory, like “This is my turf”! So when they see others (dogs) invading, they naturally adopt an aggressive attitude. Only when the owner is in a leadership position will the situation not get out of control. Therefore, owners must maintain command, leading the dog where they want to go, not letting the dog walk ahead and lead the owner. If the owner believes marking is the dog’s nature and does not stop it, letting the dog do as it pleases, this will cause the dog’s dominance instinct to grow. The dog’s dominance instinct and obedience instinct are inversely proportional. As the dominance instinct grows, the obedience instinct shrinks. Here “obedience” does not mean suppressing or abusing the dog.

　　In fact, when the dog obeys the owner, it feels comfortable and can go through each day calmly without stress. 2. The Method of “Leash Leadership Training” Foreign dog trainers often use this method. The key is absolutely not to make eye contact with the dog; you must completely ignore it, not talk to the dog, and do not pull the leash tightly. Keep the leash somewhat loose, and when the dog walks ahead, immediately change direction, instead going the opposite way.

　　When the person changes direction, the leash tightens, and the dog feels discomfort in its neck, but because they do not make eye contact, the dog does not know the owner is “secretly controlling” it and will then follow the owner’s direction. When the dog again walks in front, change direction again, walking according to the owner’s preference. Continuing this training with different people will yield better results.

　　Of course, the owner must first treat the dog with deep love, so the dog will develop obedience. When the dog’s dominance grows, disobedience will cause great trouble to the owner. To benefit the training of the dog, the owner must maintain control during walks, prevent the dog from marking everywhere, and keep the environment clean.

　　If unfortunately your dog regularly bothers you at a certain time daily or acts cute, biting the leash and wagging its tail in begging, firmly refuse and ignore it. This will restore your authority and change the subordinate relationship between you and your dog.