Will I lose my pack leader status if my dog walks just a nose in front of me?

Question

I have an 11 week old German Shepherd pup who's potty and leash trained. When I take him on walks I always make sure he's not walking ahead of me...not even by a nose. If I allow him to be even a nose ahead of me will he not view me as a pack leader, or does it not matter if his "lead" is only a small distance?

Answer 1

What is your definition of heeling? My definition is the dog stays by my side. Which means, if his nose is behind my leg, he's lagging.



I want my dog's shoulder next to my leg, which means his nose has to be ahead of you.



If you're worried about his viewing you as pack leader, give him the down command (once he learns it) and see what happens. If you can take his food or a toy away from him with no problem, you're the leader.

Answer 2

As long as the dog is not pulling and is going in the direction you want him to go you are fine. I feel that the "dog cannot be behind the leader" thing is stupid. When I am going on a relaxed stroll, my dog can be anywhere she wants as long as she is not stopping, sniffing, tripping me, pulling or trying to go in a different direction. When she is given the command to heel, she is at my side and in work mode. Her attention focused on me. We know the difference. When she is doing agility, she is often told to run ahead and do an obstacle, then take direction from afar. Could I control her at a dead run, from a distance if she did not think I was a leader?



Watch a video of a real pack of wolves some day. The Alpha is not always in the front.



Yes we need to be the leaders, but a lot of this "pack leader" obsession will make for very unhappy dogs & owners. Your dog is a puppy, he needs to explore this new world, and be confident. If you are always nagging him to walk in the perfect position, he is not going to gain the confidence that German Shepherds are famous for.



BTW. Congrats on choosing a great breed.

Answer 3

As long as the dog is not pulling and is going in the direction you want him to go you are fine. I feel that the "dog cannot be behind the leader" thing is stupid. When I am going on a relaxed stroll, my dog can be anywhere she wants as long as she is not stopping, sniffing, tripping me, pulling or trying to go in a different direction. When she is given the command to heel, she is at my side and in work mode. Her attention focused on me. We know the difference. When she is doing agility, she is often told to run ahead and do an obstacle, then take direction from afar. Could I control her at a dead run, from a distance if she did not think I was a leader? Watch a video of a real pack of wolves some day. The Alpha is not always in the front. Yes we need to be the leaders, but a lot of this "pack leader" obsession will make for very unhappy dogs & owners. Your dog is a puppy, he needs to explore this new world, and be confident. If you are always nagging him to walk in the perfect position, he is not going to gain the confidence that German Shepherds are famous for. BTW. Congrats on choosing a great breed.

Answer 4

Do you think that people who do *tracking* with their dogs on a long lead, are not the leader? Believe me...a *nose* ahead doesn't have anything to do with being a pack leaker. BTW...I doubt that an 11 week old pup is potty trained. You are trained to take the pup out often, or you are just lucky! A pup does't even *really* get the whole bodily function to mind thing until it is right around 5 months old.

Answer 5

If you have a dog that does not pull you all over the place especially at 11 weeks old, you have no worries about any pack leader status. You're doing fine. Just keep it up. No biggie if he goes a nose in front of you.

Answer 6

No you will not. There are MANY other things that show leadership. Walking on leash properly is purely a matter of training. For example, deciding when he plays, with what, and for how long shows him who his leader is. Deciding when feeding time is and how much he's allowed also shows leadership.

Answer 7

I feel that a dog that isn't pulling in any direction is behaving on leash. Until I grow fur and walk on all fours, I won't be the "alpha dog". But I will always demand respect on the leash.

Answer 8

As long as your body is in view from the puppy it gives him a constant reminder that you are there and in charge. If you are training him to be like statue trained and perfect, then i wouldn't let him budge keep yourself in front. If your training him to be a better pet then i don't think it would be that bad, just remember the more you break your rules, the inclined he will be to break the rules too.

Answer 9

As long as his course is directed by you his physical position is meaningless....

Packleader means getting what you want - and dogs can be flexible if you have a firm command of situation many of the 'me first" rues can be broken

course you blew the most important one already - the unshakable conviction that you ARE pack leader and OF COURSE the dog knows it!

Answer 10

Your GSD is doing VERY well. Just put him where you want him. He doesn't care...it's all about training. As long as you are consistant...he will follow. Make good choices. Talk to trainers or GET one...these dogs deserve the BEST training...and you may not be completely prepared! Have a WONDERFUL time. Good luck and God bless.

Answer 11

no eddie it doesnt work like that, my dog knows im the alpha, but still walks a head of me sometimes, as long as you exit the house and enter the house first, you will be ok.

Answer 12

The nose is just fine,you won't lose your power

Answer 13

i agree with the first comment as long as you lay the law down when it needs to be, YOU will always be the master

Answer 14

yes u will. watch the dog whisperer!