Being the pack leader is a task that gives a great sense of achievement. It requires the host to take control and become the pack leader.
When all the dogs are watching where you go following your changes in direction and come running when you call, it can be a real buzz. I love the enthusiasm of the dogs, they are always “up for it” and trust the decisions the pack leader makes.
We often get asked “How do you manage to keep a pack of dogs under control?” – being the pack leader is actually easier than you might think, it’s all about how the dogs perceive you.
Dogs are social pack animals, they are followers and don’t naturally want to be a pack leader unless they feel the pack hasn’t got one, so it’s up to the walker to become a pack leader.
The dogs have to see you as being confident and in control. If you walk in a confident and calm manner, keeping a positive forward motion, the pack will want to follow. You can use the more dominant dogs in the pack to help you by keeping them interested in following you the others will also follow. We generally pack walk up to six dogs at a time.
If you’d like to learn more about being a pack leader, read Cesar Millan’s 5 steps to being the Pack Leader which gives some really helpful tips.