5 Easy Ways to Be a Better Leader for Your Dog

03/06/2021 | Valor K9 Academy® | Dog Training & Behavior

Dogs are pack animals by nature, and they thrive when given structure, boundaries, and leadership. These three principles are central to our training philosophy at Valor K9 Academy. By practicing leadership, you not only guide your dog more effectively—you also build a stronger bond. Here are five easy ways to become a better leader for your dog.

1. Make sure all good things come from you

Food, toys, bones, attention, and playtime should always originate from you. Instead of free-feeding, use food for training (hand feeding is a great option). Keep toys put away and bring them out when you decide it’s time to play. Start and stop interactions on your terms.

👉 This ensures your dog looks to you as the source of good things, which naturally builds respect and engagement.

2. Make your dog wait at thresholds

Doors, crates, and vehicles are all thresholds where leadership can be reinforced. Ask your dog to sit, wait, and give eye contact before being released. This not only prevents chaos at the door but also builds impulse control.

This practice is a great daily application of the Premack Principle—using something your dog wants (like going outside) as the reward for calm behavior.

3. Advocate for your dog

Every dog has strengths and weaknesses. Leadership means knowing your dog’s limits and keeping him safe.

If your dog is uncomfortable around children, don’t allow kids to overwhelm him.
If he needs a leash or muzzle for safety, use one.
If a situation could push him beyond his threshold, avoid it until he’s ready.

As Amy Pishner, professional trainer and founder of Valor K9 Academy, puts it:

“Advocating for your dog means being his voice and protecting him from situations that could set him up to fail. Great leadership builds trust.”

Never leave your dog in situations where he has to fend for himself. Guidance is key to preventing reactivity or aggression.

4. Be consistent

Rules and commands mean nothing if you don’t follow through. Dogs thrive on structure and clarity, but inconsistency leads to confusion and behavioral problems.

Decide your house rules and stick to them.
Avoid being “wishy-washy” with commands.
Remember: black and white boundaries help dogs feel secure, while “grey areas” cause frustration and disobedience.

Consistency is one of the strongest signs of leadership your dog will respect.

5. Meet your dog’s needs

A well-led dog is also a fulfilled dog. Provide regular physical exercise, mental stimulation, and training that match your dog’s energy and intelligence level.

Ideas include:

Physical exercise: hiking, swimming, agility, treadmill, Fitpaws
Mental stimulation: nose work, puzzle games, trick training
Training: 5–10 structured sessions per day (2–5 minutes each) plus “lifestyle training” during daily routines

Meeting your dog’s needs consistently helps him develop an on/off switch—calm in the house, but ready to work when asked.

Final Thoughts on How to Be a Better Leader for Your Dog

By putting these five leadership strategies into practice—providing resources, controlling thresholds, advocating for your dog, being consistent, and meeting his needs—you’ll not only improve behavior but also strengthen your bond.

Dogs feel more secure and confident when they know you’re their leader. And when your dog respects your guidance, life together becomes more harmonious.

Learn how to lead your new puppy with our course: The Puppy Head Start program.

Shimo’s owners learned how to be a better leader for your dog

Written by Amy Pishner

About the Author:

Amy Pishner is the Founder of Valor K9 Academy, a veteran-owned dog training company in Boise, Idaho. With over a decade of experience training thousands of dogs, Amy specializes in balanced dog training that builds trust, obedience, and lasting results.