Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 5/17/2007

Question
Hello im 19 and our family just bought a black labrador which is 9 weeks old on may 14th. He was from a litter of 4 and both of his parents. He was very affectionate and lively day one. It is day two and i just started to train him. There was an exercise where you keep him down on the ground for a period of tiem to show him that im the pack leader. Today i think we also did not let him sleep that much as he did day one which was mostly all day. I feel really sad because i dont want to hurt the dogs feelings at all. I just hope that he can get over it today but since i am i first time dog owner i really feel that i should take every precaution for my new family member.

**loving and confused**
thank you for your help.

Answer
Dear shammi,
Thanks for the question. I know some trainers suggest holding a dog down to teach the dog who is the leader, but this is poor, dated advice.

Your puppy probably feels as if he's been attacked. If you continue using these methods, he will probably learn to avoid you.

Leaders don't have to use physical force to control their followers, for if they do, the followers might obey but they will resent the leaders.

Get a good book about dog friendly training using rewards. Patricia McConnell has some good books. Good luck!

Alan J Turner
http://howsbentley.com