My Dog Is Distracted Outside

I get this question often from my dog training clients: “Why does my dog misbehave every time I take him outside?” The answer is simple, you are not the pack leader.

Dogs are extremely intelligent species. They read humans better than you can imagine, and can sense when you are fearful, anxious, and excited.

Dogs that behave inside usually get enough attention and discipline inside of their home and understand that there are rules and regulations in place. They know where they belong within their human pack and understand that the rules inside the house always get enforced when there is misbehavior. Dogs are territorial animals by nature, so they understand when certain guidelines are set within a specific space.

When your dog leaves the house, the space changes and so do the rules. To prevent your dog from misbehaving, you will have to start training your dog both inside and outside the house. You will have to teach your dog that his restrictions apply in every situation as long as he is with you. A pack leader stays a leader, no matter where they are. So, if you allow your dog to run wild outside the home and take charge, they will automatically consider themselves the pack leader.

Now, lets find out how we can establish ourselves as a pack leader in any environment:

• Apply the same rules outside
• Stay consistent; always follow through with the training
• Make sure your dog is calm before you leave the house
• Always challenge your dog by putting him in situations where he misbehaves and then apply corrections
• Do not let your dog greet, play, or pull you on walks, unless it is with your permission
• Practice as much as you can to create a new habit for your dog.

Following these tips will help you to always stay in charge of your dog, no matter where you go.