How do i let my new dog know I am the pack leader? She is 4 yrs old and has never really lived in a home?

Question

she is a retired racing greyhound. she is a very good dog so far and i want her to stay that way how do i re enforce good behaviors and change bad ones...for example how do i teach her to stay off of the furniture and to use her dog bed? Thanks!

Answer 1

First things pack leaders eat before the others, so when you feed her, hold her food up and act like you are eating from it first. You could hold like a cracker and eat it so she thinks you are eating from the dog food. Then and only then does she eat after you do. As for the furniture you will have to make her get off and in her bed and praise her for being in her own bed and make her get off the people furniture. Try watching the Animal Planets "Its me or the dog" on Saturday nights. You can get some great ideas for dog training

Answer 2

Congratulations on your adoption!  First off, greyhounds are a very intelligent breed.  They want to please.  If you tell her a few times not to get on the furniture, she will not get on the furniture. Keep her bed close to the furniture.  They typically are big lap dogs, which is why she may attempt to get on the furniture, to be close to you.  Don’t confuse her and allow her on it once in a while.  If you don’t want her on the furniture, stick to it and she will stay off.  I have never had a problem with mine getting on the furniture because they have never been allowed to.  Give her time and please be patient. After all, the only life she has known is the track. Keep an eye on her, she may have a few accidents in the house,  maybe chew on something because she hasn’t experienced life as a puppy. And watch the food on the counters, they tend to jump up and take what they want. Give her a chance to learn what it’s like to be a pet and your friend, she will please you endlessly.